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GREENSBORO 
1808-1904 



FACTS, FIGURES, TRADITIONS 
AND REMINISCENCES 



^ 



COLLATED BY 

JAS. W. ALBRIGHT 



GREENSBORO, N. C. 

JOS. J. STONE & COMPANY 

1904 






Preface 



IN PRESENTING this book to the public the collator does 
not aspire to the title of historian. He was born in the village 
of Greensboro, August 16, 1835, in the small frame house, No. 
105-7 East Market street, which at that time was one of the 
principal hotels of the place. His greatest ambition is to place 
before the city of Greensboro such ' ' facts, figures, traditions, 
and reminiscences" as will form a nucleus for her future historian. 

He has seen the village grow to a town — the town to a city of no 
small proportions. Yet those who know the Greensboro of today 
would little think that from the freight depot to the old market house 
was covered most of the year with water; and that the writer had 
shot snipe and ducks where now is the center of trade; or could realize 
that there was water enough in front of Mr. B. E. Sergeant 's resi- 
dence, on East Washington street, for the small boys to bathe in. 

He has seen the stage-coach give place to the Pullman cars; the 
hog-drover, who came from Tennessee, with his hundreds of hogs 
on foot, supplanted by the pork-packers of the west; he has heard 
the ' * curfew ' ' warn the small boy and the slave to hurry home wiien 
the town clock struck nine; the old two-wheeled gig and sulky dis- 
carded for the automobile and electric car; the old wooden land- 
marks torn down and replaced by modern hotels, stores, and resi- 
dences; the Mount Hecla cotton mill give way to the mammoth White 
Oak mills; the one saw mill give place to numerous saw mills and 
other plants for the manufacture of wooden wares. 

Yes; there is change everywhere! And one sees more in a day 
now than he did in a year in the Greensboro of the forties. But the 
old village was the happy play-ground for some twenty-five boys of 
that time; and though Father Time, with his circling blade, has 
obliterated all traces of their boyhood haunts, the memory of those 
days is still fresh in the heart of the writer. 

Most of these boys have long since passed to the great beyond. 
Some died peaceful deaths; many fell upon the bloody fields of battle; 
some went to distant States to make their homes, and seek their for- 
tunes — but 

' ' That heart, mcthinks, 
Were of strange mould, which kept no cherished print 
Of earlier, happier times, when life was fresh. 
And love and innocence made holiday; 

Or that owned 
No transient sadness when a dream, a glimpse 
Of fancy touched past joys. ' ' 

eTAMES W. ALBRIGHT. 
August 16, 1904. 



Greensboro, 1 808-1 904 



CHAPTER I 

WHY AND WHEN GREENSBORO WAS MADE THE 
COUNTY SEAT 

The county of Guilford, named in honor of Lord North, Earl of 
Guilford, was formed in 177U, from parts of Orange and Rowan coun- 
ties. The village of Martinsville, named in honor of Governor Josiah 
Martin, was the county seat, and here was fought, March 15, 1781, the 
battle of Guilford Court-house; in which the British troops, under Lord 
Cornwallis, received at the hands of General Nathaniel Greene, the 
blow under which it staggered until it surrendered at Yorktown, Va. 
Greensboro was named in honor of General Greene. 

Martinsville was not in the center of the county, and an act of the 
legislature was obtained in 1808, giving the county authority to move 
to a more central point. The men named in this act on the twelfth 
of March, 1808, received a deed, as follows: 

' ' This indenture made the twelfth day of March, in the year 1808, 
between Ralph Gorrell,. of tne first part, and Charles Bruce, Hugh 
Forbis, Jacob Clapp, Wm. Armfield, David Caldwell, Geo. Swain, 
and Nathan Mendenhall, of the county and State aforesaid, of the other 
part, commissioners appointed by act of assembly, for the purchasing 
of a suitable tract of land at or contiguous to the center of Guilford 
county, for erecting a town, court-house, prison, and stocks, and such 
other public uses as they may deem necessary thereon; witnesseth, 
that the said Ralph Gorrell, for and in consideration of $98, to him in 
hand paid, do sell and convey a tract of land, containing forty-two 

acres more or less", "'^t^- 

This tract was laid out as the future Greensboro— as per plot on 

page six. 

The surveyor, Nathan Mendenhall, made the following footnote: 
' ' The main streets are four poles wide— the others three— except South 
street, which is two; the lots are nine poles square; four on south side 
of town which are nine poles east and west and eight poles north and 
south." John Hamilton was clerk of county court. 



G 



GKEENSBORO— 1808-1904 



The southern bonmlary was about where Caldcleugh 's store stands; 
the northern Dr. W. A. Lash's store; the western Ashe street; the 
eastern W. S. Moore 's residence. 

[The only lot still in the family of purchaser, is that on corner of 
West Market and Ashe streets, purchased by Thomas Caldwell, and 
now owned by his granddaughters, Misses Bettie and Pattie Cald- 
well.] 

N. 



Wares 
I^ovitt 
«5.01 


Levin 

Kirknian 

S()50 


Jonathan 
Dzment 


Levi 

Houston 

?r5 50 



I,evin 
Kirknian 

S6.50 


Jesse 
Cook 
S8.2J 


Levi 
Tucker 

?10.02 


Isaac 
Weath- 

erlv 
S2-J.J-0 



Jesse 
Cook 
SKl.O") 


Grav 

Kooth 

^7,S3 


Robert 
Kvan 
^■40.77 


Nathan 
Lesler 




John David 
Macy Caldwell 

Sf5.5u $5 oa 


Nathan , 
Menden- , '■ ?^, , 
hall Arinfield 

Iia 11 ^,, , r. , 

S20.01 -'■"' 



W.°®a 



Thos. 

Caldwell 

«i.(:o 


Jos. 
Hoskins 

§52.00 




Richard 
Curtis 

S18.50 



D. 

Caldwell 
§20 00 


Isaac 
Weath- 

erly 
§50.00 


Dan'l 
Swain 
§57.25 


William 
Reyan 
§151 0(1 



Saninel 
Snllivan 

§7li.0,l 


Thos. 
HeviU 

§i;;i).o;i 


1 


Levi 

Houston 

^^52.^0 



J. 

D'llon 
§57.0 • 



i. evi 

Houston | 

§21t 60 



Levi Jno. 

Tucker Meadow 
§15J.OO §l;il.OJ 



C. H. 



Daniel Sam 

Gillesp'el Siil'iva'i 

§l:;(i 00 §102.(.0 



Robert 

L'lidsav 

§^2,50" 



David 

Mehane 

§l(j 85 



Levin 
Kirknian 

§13.04 



Robert 

Doniiell 

§47.50 



Joseph 
Lovilt 
§44.0,) 



Vincent 
Rnssum 

§1J.26^ 




Jno. 

Howell 

§18.50 



Jas. 
Par'-ons 

§22.511 



Richard 
Lain 
§15.01 



William 
\riiifiel(l 



PLOT OF GREENSBORO, i8o8 

The tract of land was divided into forty-four lots and sold at pub- 
lie outcry, prices ranging from $151.00 to $7.25 — making a total of 
$1433.11. This amount was sufficient to enable the commissioners to 
comply with the order oi removal, viz.: that the location was to be 
geographically in the center of the county, and the net proceeds from 
sales to be sufficient to pay all costs of removal from Martinsville of 
the court-house, jail, stocks, and whipping post, and rebuild the same. 



GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 7 

The log court-house was placed upon East Market street about where 
the east end of the postoffice building now stands, and the jail where 
the Record office is on West Market street. The stocks, pillories and 
whipping-post, were a combination — all in one — and were standing on 
the site of the city hall, when the writer was a boy, and he witnessed 
these several punishments inflicted upon evil-doers. Between the whip- 
ping post and the street (where the engine-house now stands) Jacob 
Hubbard had a beef stall — the only one in the town. It was octagon 
shape, about ten feet m diameter. And thus history repeats itself — 
after sixty years the present citizens of Greensboro find their fine 
market house on this same spot. 

And this reminds the writer that Tuesday of August county court 
was a general holiday, and both white and black, by hundreds gathered 
on what is now Gaston street, from Ashe to Davie, to have a good time. 
Watermelons, cider, ginger-cakes, pies, etc., formed the dainty menu; 
while the fiddle and banjo supplied the music. There was but one 
town constable, and he seldom had an arrest to make. 

In 1808 the court records were removed to Greensboro. The first 
court held in Greensboro was on May 18, 1809. The esquires present 
at first term of court held in Greensboro, May 19, 1809, were John 
Starrett, Johnathan Parker, Joseph GuUett, Geo. Swain, John McAdoo, 
and Ephraim Burrow. The first permanent court-house built was two 
stories, built of brick, and stood at the intersection of Elm and Market 
streets. It was not onlj' in the way of the growing town, but too 
small for county purposes, only having four rooms down stairs and a 
small court room on second floor — hence at the August meeting of the 
county court in 1856 it was decided to remove the court-house to the 
corner of North Elm and West Gaston streets. This lot was pur- 
chased from Gen. Jno. M. Logan; but was objected to because the 
corner on wdiich the present court-house now stands was covered by 
frame buildings, occupied by Soiomon Hojikins as a hotel — which was 
the hotel of that day. This lot was then purchaseu, and Isaac Thacker, 
J. W. Fields, C. P. Mendenhall, Jed. H. Lindsay, and Peter Adams were 
appointed to attend to the details. The contract for the new court- 
house was let September 10, to McKnight, Houston, and Collier for 
$17,383. 

This building was destroyed by fire in 1872 — as was the Southern 
hotel. Porter's drug store. Farmer's Bank building, and a row of 
small frame law offices on the west and north of the court-house — 
burning everything on that corner down to Garrett 's store — now Odd 
Fellows' hall. Work was at once commenced for its rebuilding and 
the same style of architecture was observed, in the mam, with some 
minor changes in the interior. Mr. Lyndon Swain, architect, superin- 
tended the rebuilding. The cost of rebuilding was $21,000, and Jed. 
H. Lindsay had charge of the same by order of the court. 



chapter ii 

greensboro as a place of residence or 
businp:ss 



Greensboro had a population in 1890 of three thousand three hun- 
dred and seventeen — in 1900 of ten thousand and thirty-five — as shown 
by the United States census report. These figures do not embrace the 
outlying territory, along the Southern Eailway — north and south — 
where most of the manufacturing plants are located — extending a 
distance of three miles in each direction. The estimated population 
of these suburbs can safely be put at five thousand — which would 
give Greensboro a total population of over fifteen thousand. 

Greensboro is eight hundred and forty-three feet above sea level, 
and the climate is genial and healthful. During the coldest Winters 
ice seldom forms more than one and one-half inches on the ponds, and 
ninety-two degrees is its greatest heat register — which is unusually 
rare — and a sultry aay is almost unknown. 

A gentleman who has traveled extensively and who has recently 
visited Greensboro says: "A climate never approaching the severity 
of the North in Winter, and particularly delightful in Summer — a 
healthfulness unquestioned, and freedom from virulence of malarial 
diseases, enables Greensboro to offer no mean attractions to the deli- 
cate invalid or pleasure-seeking tourist. It is a charming abiding 
place. Within two or five hours' ride of the matchless scenery of th6 
Piedmont and Blue Eidge country, and the chalybeate, sulphur, and 
alum springs which make that section celebrated; while but little 
farther, in point of distance and time, from the pleasure of Carolina 
Beach and Wrightsville Sound. The northern traveler may select here 
as his point of vantage, to seek 'green fields and pastures new' in a 
day's jaunt or a week's journey in any direction." 

The editorial excursion from New York, New Jersey, and Pennsyl- 
vania, which visited Greensboro in 1872, called the town "The City 
of Flowers"; its schools have caused it to be called the "Athens of 
the South"; but H. J, Elam, of the Eecord, in 1889, called it "The 
Gate City", which latter seems to be generally adopted as most appro- 
priate. Either would not be far wrong, however — for the flowers are 
in evidence everywhere — so are the schools — and the railroads reach 
out in every direction. 



GREENSBOEO— 1808-1904 9 

The taxable propertj- in 1899 was $3,000,000; the assessed value for 
1904 is over $5,000,000 — the tax levy amounting to $b5,000 — with a 
rate of $1.30 (for all purposes) on the $100 valuation. 

Greensboro is situated in the center of North Carolina — east and 
west — in the midst of the worla's finest bright tobacco belt; in the 
center of the largest and most prosperous cotton mill sections in the 
South; m the heart of the furniture manufacturing district in the 
South; surrounded by a fine grain region, and on the border of the 
cotton fields; in the center of the finest fruit-growing section in the 
entire South. Within a radius of sixty miles there are six hundred 
thousand people; eighty-three cotton mills, with over $10,000,000 capi- 
tal, twenty-eight thousand looms, and seven hundred thousand spindles; 
ntty-four furniture and chair factories; twelve hosiery mills; one car- 
pet factory; one finishing miii; one blast furnace; quite a number of 
all kinds of lumber manufacturing plants, tobacco factories, and other 
industries — including three fine foundries, and a terra-cotta plant. 

In brief — Greensboro has: Railroad facilities equal to those of any 
town of like population in the United States, Seven lines extend 
form the city in as many different directions — giving unrivaled freight 
and passenger and mail service. Forty-two passenger and dozens of 
freight trains leave Greensboro every day. The city is on the main 
trunk line of the great Southern Railway, and is one of that system's 
most important points. Forty-two separate and distinct diversified 
manufacturing plants, embracing cotton, tobacco, shoes, pants and 
overalls, carpets, shirts, furniture, bobbins, shuttles, cornice work, 
wagons and carriages, exhaust and blow pipes, dust fans and dust 
collectors, sash, doors and blinds, mantels and tables, brooms, saw- 
mills, cane mills, plows, castings, stoves, candy, ice, etc. The products 
of these concerns find a ready market all over this country and in for- 
eign lands. Eighteen wholesale houses, supplying a large territory with 
dry goods, notions, shoes, drugs, groceries, hardware, miil supplies, etc. 
Two hundred and forty-three retail stores. Five separate banking 
houses, with assets of $2,500,550. The home offices of two life insur- 
ance and three fire insurance companies. Five separate colleges and 
six graded schools, with an aggregate yearly attendance of three thou- 
sand two hundred students. Twenty-six church edifices. Two com- 
panies furnishing electricity for light and power, one company furnish- 
ing gas for light and power, sewerage, a well-equipped fire department, 
and a new and up-to-date electric street railway. Telephone exchanges. 
The most modern theater between Washington and Atlanta. A city 
hall and market house — which cost $35,000. A government building 
for the accommodation of the postoffice and United States courts, the 
resident United States district judge and other court officers. Six 
first-class hotels give Greensboro the best hotel accommodations of 
any city of its size in the South. One of the handsomest and most 



10 



GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 



conveniently arranged railway passenger depots between Washington 
and Atlanta. Two daily newspapers, one secular weekly, two religious 
weeklies, one magazine. 




The city owns its water works, and in 190;! erected a steel tank, 
with a capacity of two hundred thousand gallons, which is two hun- 



GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 11 

dred feet high. The water supply is drawn from two streams — North 
and South Buffalo — which flow on north and south sides of the city — 
but the south creek is tapped near its source — about three miles from 
the city, and pumped into a tank and by gravitation reaches the main 
stream, and water basin at pump house. 

The south stream is intended as an auxiliary or emergency supply, 
and has a pumping capacity and flow of one million gallons per day. 
Two improved one-and-a-quarter-million-gallons capacity pumps have 
been installed at the main water works, and are run by electricity, also 
a oue-hundred-horse-power boiler to run a steam pump in case of emer- 
gency. A duplicate main was put in in 1903 between the pumping 
station and tank in city — so as to guard against accidents in case of 
fire. The water works, it is claimed, will be largely in excess of self- 
sustaining. 

The fine surrounding farming country, and many other natural 
advantages, have during its entire existence as a town, made Greens- 
boro one of the most important traumg points in the State, and since 
the completion of the several railroads which center here, it has 
received a new impetus. 

It was fortunate for Greensboro that when the State 's great rail- 
road — from Charlotte to Goldsboro — was before the legislature that 
Honorable Calvin Graves, of Caswell, was in the speaker's chair and 
gave the casting vote that caused this road to make its big curve 
through Orange, Alamance, and Guilford — instead of running some 
forty miles south of Greensboro. This gave Greensboro her start as a 
railroad town, and the names of John A. Gilmer, D. F. Caldwell, Calvin 
Johnson, Peter Adams, Nathan Hunt, Edwin W. Ogburn, and Jas. W. 
Doak (who were in the legislature in 1846-48), should always have a 
green place in our memory. The next road — the link between Greens- 
boro and Danville — was a "military necessity", and built by the Con- 
federate States government in 1863-64. To this we owe all the others — 
the Salem Branch, built in 1875, the Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley, 
built in 1884 to Fayetteville, and to Mount Airy in 1888 — with all their 
several branches — placing us on the main line between Washington 
and Atlanta — and giving us the very best facilities for reaching all 
points in this great nation. At one time all these roads were owned 
by separate companies, but today all are under the superb manage- 
ment of the Southern Railway. 

It would be unfair to posterity not to give Julius A. Gray, Dr. D. W. 
C. Benbow, Dr. W. A. Lash, and their associates, who made the C. F. & 
Y. V. railway from Wilmington to Mt. Airy a reality, the credit of 
building this important line. To these public-spirited gentlemen this 
road proved other than a financial success; but what it added to 
Greensboro 's material growth time alone can tell. 



12 GEEENSBOEO— 1808-1904 

The Southern today is operating daily between Greensboro and 
Washington, D. C, seven passenger and mail trains each way; between 
Greensboro and Charlotte, the same number; between Kaleigh and 
Greensboro four each way; between Winston-Salem and Greensboro 
three each way; two each way between Wilmington and Mt. Airy — 
passing through Greensboro; one each way between Ramseur, in 
Randolph county, and Greensboro, and one each way between Greens- 
boro and Madison, in Rockingham county — making sixteen arrivals 
and sixteen departures of mail and passenger trains daily. The 
freight traffic is so heavy through the city, that a double track has 
become necessary between Washington and Atlanta, and is now near- 
ing completion. 

During the last decade, according to the United States census, the 
population of the city has increased two hundred and two per cent. — a 
record equalled by few cities in the United States, and by none in 
North Carolina. 

With all the foregoing enumerated advantages the city has a very 
small bonded debt, viz.: Improvement bonds $100,000; State Normal 
and Industrial College, $30,000; South Greensboro Graded School, 
$9,000; Colored Agricultural and Mechanical College, $11,000; City 
Hall, $35,000; Sewer, $65,000; Improvement bonds, $.o,000; Water 
Works, $100,000; Electric Light, $25,000; making a total of $450,000— 
with a tax rate of $1.30 on $100 valuation. 



CHAPTER III 



A WORD ABOUT THE COUNTY OF GUILFORD 



The county of Guilford is nearly square — being twenty-six miles 
from east to west and twenty-four from north to south. It is divided 
into eighteen townships of equal size, sixteen of which are penetrated 
by one or more railroads. The Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley railroad, 
running from Wilmington to Mt. Airy, runs through the county from 
south-east to north-west, and goes through eight townships; the North 
Carolina from Goldsboro to Charlotte — running nearly east to west 
passes through seven townships; the Southern comes in from Danville 
on the north and runs through three townships; and Northwestern 
North Carolina (or Salem) starts at Greensboro, going west through 
three townships. All these roads centering at the county seat — Greens- 
boro — which is geographically in the center. The city is in two town- 
ships, Elm street the dividing line — all east of this street being in 
Gilmer and all west in Morehead. This division was once the result 
of a singular and perplexing condition. A vote was had in 1876 in 
both townships on the question of license or prohibition, and Gilmer 
township voted for prohibition and Morehead for license — when the 
saloons in Gilmer had to move across the street or retire from busi- 
ness. It is needless to say that in this instance prohibition was a 
failure. 



The county has a population of 44,000. 



The rate of taxation in Guilford is 79 cents on $100 valuation for 
State and countv. 



The amount of taxable property of a county is a good index of its 
growth. W. U. Steiner, register of deeds for 1882, reported $4,341,000; 
in 1902 A. G. Kirkman, register of deeds, reported $11,244,000, and in 
1903, $12,956,000. 



It is a fine agricultural and fruit-growing county. Gold in paying 
quantities has been successfully mined at ten or twelve places in the 
southern half of the county. Fine iron ore is found in large quantities 
in two places — both less than ten miles from Greensboro. 



u 



GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 



The following have filled the office of sheriff of Guilford county: 
Joseph Hoskins, by appointment of governor, in 1789. The following 
by election since 1850: Jas. W. Doak, Walter A. Winoourne, C. A. 
Boone, R. M. Staflfnnl, J. M. Cunningham, J. Henry Ginner, O. C. 




COUNTY COURT HOUSE 



Wheeler, Joseph A. Hoskins, John W. Cook, ,1. F. Jordan — some for 
several terms. 



A special tax for working the roads has l)een collected for more 
than fifteen years (Morehead township leading) ; and in 1903 the 



GREENSBOEO— 1808-1904 15 

county voted to issue $300,000 iu bonds for macadamizing all its roads. 
A road commission was appointed with Hon. Jno. L. King as chair- 
man, and all the latest improved machinery purchased, and work is 
being rapidly pushed. 



BRIEF MENTION 

In 1853 Levi Scott was elected Superior Court Clerk. 



Joseph S. Ragsdale was born in Greensboro in 1S40, and died in 1903. 



The old log court-house was placed on the corner where the United 
States postoflEice building now stands. 



Col. J. M. Brittain purchased the Gott Hotel in 1857, and opened a 
hotel. This was afterwards the Southern. 



John M. Brower, of Mt. Airy, was born in Greensboro, and three 
times represented the Fifth District in Congress. 



Greensboro's first vote on prohibition was held July 19, 1904, with 
the following result: For prohibition, 738; against, 315 — majority 
against saloons, 423. 



In 1857 the total vote of Greensboro was three hundred and eighty- 
two, and at this election Lyndon Swain was elected County Court 
Clerk, and W. D. Trotter Superior Court Clerk. 



S. H. Howard came to Greensboro August 26, 1864, and took charge 
of the telegraph office, and is still at his post. He is a native of 
Bedford county, Va., and was army telegrapher most of the war. 



At the meeting at Halifax, November 12, 1776, which formed the 
Constitution, the delegates from Guilford county were David Cald- 
well, Joseph Hines, Ralph Gorrell, Chas. Bruce, and Isham Browder. 



General John M. Logan, father of Dr. John E. Logan, was for many 
years a leading merchant in Greensboro, and also clerk of the county 
court for a long time, which office he held at the time of his death in 
1853. 



16 GEEENSBOEO— 1808-1904 

The city tax levy in 1857 was: White poll 75 cents, colored poll 75 
cents, street hands $1.50, hog running at large $1.00, dog over one to 
a family $1.00, liquor license $20, merchants' purchase tax 8 cents on 
$100, real estate on $100 value, 8 cents. 



In 1857 corn was so scarce that the county authorities had to import 
it to prevent suffering, and it was sold at $1.30 per bushel in small 
quantities to only those in need of it for food. So dire was the dis- 
tress that the railroads hauled it at half rates. 



Soon after the war the dried blackberry trade was an immense 
industry — the firm of Odell & Company, shipping annually for several 
years at least thirty to forty carloads — much of the fruit finding 
markets in foreign lands. J. W. Scott & Company were the next 
largest shippers. 



The four squares immediately around the old court-house were for 
many years the only places of trade. James Sloan was the first to go 
down South Elm — and he built nearly opposite Odell 's store. J. W. 
Scott was the next to move — he built a large frame builoino- where 
the Hendrix store building now stands. 



The sumac trade was, also, a source of much money to the gatherers. 
The leaves were used in tanning. W. H. McCormick was the leader in 
this new industry and lost much money by the old Tate factory burn- 
ing down in 1884. The company rebuilt a frame house on the same site, 
which was also destroyed by fire, a few years later. 



In 1883 the old Caldwell corner was torn down and work was 
begun on the United States building for postoffice and court room, 
offices, etc. This building was greatly enlarged in 19u4, by adding to 
the east side and making the building three full stories. It is now 
one of the best government buildings in the State. Cost $150,000. 



The first Federal court was held in Greensboro in October, 1872, 
Judge R. P. Dick, presiding. He held office until January 12, 1898, 
when he resigned. Judge Dick died September 12, 1898. John W. 
Payne was clerk, from the opening of court until his death, January 
16, 1892. Samuel F. Trogden succeeded him by appointment, Februavj 
3, 1892, and is still in office. 



Lyndon Swain, who edited the Patriot for fifteen years, had much 
to do with establishing the reputation of Guilford county for its con- 



GEEENSBOKO— 1808-1904 V, 

servatism and broad-minded liberality — towards all men of every 
nationality and race. He was one of nature 's noblemen. He lived 
with an inherent love for all mankind — and with ill will towards none 
—and died beloved by all who knew him. 



In 1855, C. C. Cole began the publication of The Guardian, a liter- 
ary and temperance paper, which was succeeded in 1856 by the Times, 
published by Ogborn, Cole, & Albright. This was an eight-page 
literary paper. It ceased publication with the war of 1861. Colonel 
C. C. Cole, one of its editors, and one of the best men the writer ever 
knew, was killed in the battle of the Wilderness. 



Honorable Robert M. Sloan came to Greensboro from Lexington, Va., 
in 1827, and married Miss Sarah Paisley, daughter of Reverend Father 
Paisley. * ' Uncle Bob ' ', as everyone knew him, was revered and 
beloved by all whose pleasure it was to know him. He was mavor of 
the city in 1870- '73. To him the writer is greatly indebted for 
many of the facts set forth in this book. He is now in his ninety- 
fourth year. 



The connecting link of railways between Danville and Greensboro, 
which had become a military necessity— the Federals having control 
of the line between Petersburg and Weldon — was completed in May, 
1864; and no one can imagine the congested condition of the freight 
service, who was not in Greensboro during that May. Weldon was 
filled with all kinds of army supplies, intended for Petersburg and 
Richmond, which had to be reshipped by way of Raleigh and Greens- 
boro. 



Greensboro had three banking houses before the war between the 
States — all doing a safe and prosperous business — but with the sur 
render, went down with the furling of the "Conquered Banner!" 
except the Bank of Cape Fear which was in charge of Jesse B. Lind- 
say, as cashier. The Farmers' Bank — a branch of the parent bank 
at Elizabeth City — had as its cashier W. A. Caldwell, who after wind- 
ing up the affairs of the bank removed to Tennessee. The Greensboro 
Mutual Insurance and Trust Company, with Dr. D. P. Weir, as treas- 
iirer, was a local institution, and had much of its script i)rinted in 
Greensboro, during the war, by Sterling, Campbell, & Albright. D. P. 
Weir died January 29, 1865. 



GREAT SNOW OF 1875 
The Times of January 22, 1857, says: "On leaving our office 
Saturday night last we unexpectedly encountered snow about an inch 



18 



GEEENSBOEO— 18O8-1904 



deep. It continued snowing during the night and on into the next 
night. During Sunday the wind blew in a perfect storm, so much 
so it was almost impossible to step out doors. On Monday morning 
it had drifted six feet in some of the streets. * * * The cuts on 
the railroad are level with the ground. * * * As we go to press 
three engines attached together are passing by, forcing their way 



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GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF GREENSBORO 



through the drifts. The conductor told us that the snow often was 
as high as the smoke-stack, and that the three engines only made about 
two hundred yards on Monday." 

My recollection is that it took the train from Sunday until Thurs- 
day to get from Jamestown to Greensboro (ten miles), and but for 
Dr. S. G. Coffin, of Jamestown, father of W. E. Coffin, of Greensboro, 
the passengers would nave suffered for food and fuel. 



CHAPTER IV 

GREENSBORO'S SCHOOL HISTORY 

To the early and continued interest in schools of a high grade, 
Greensboro owes much of ner present prosperity. ii.s far back as 1767, 
David Caldwell had an academy near the public road leading from 
Greensboro to Guilford College, about three miles from town. This 
school was continued until about 1800, without inteiTuption except a 
short period during the Eevolutionary war. His school was the first 
one which was chartered in Guilford county — the aate being 1798, 
and was the most noted school in the South during this period — many 
distinguished men having received their education under Dr. Cald- 
well. 

The following schools were chartered by the legislature — some of 
which no record is now obtainable — Greensboro Academy, 1816; 
ureensboro Female Academy; Greensboro Academy and Manual Labor 
School, 1833; the Caldwell Institute, 1836; Greensboro Female College, 
1838; Greensboro High School, 1846. The Greensboro Female Academy 
was under the trustees of the Male Academy. 

About 1820, Eev. W. D. Paisley organized a school for boys. He 
was succeeded by Eev. Silas C. Lindsley about 1828. 

In 1833 Orange Presbytery resolved to build a classical school for 
males. It was named for Dr. David Caldwell and known as the Cald- 
well Institute, and stood about one hundred yards south of the railroad 
crossing on South Elm street. Eev. Alex. Wilson was principal, with 
Eev. Silas C. Lindsley, and Eev. John A. Gretter, as assistant teachers. 

The Presbytery removed this scaool to Hillsboro in 1815, and the 
Greensboro High School was its successor, in the same bu^^ding. The 
trustees were John M. Morehead, .lohn M. Dick, and John A. Gilmer. 
Eev. Ell W. Caruthers was its first principal, with Eev. John A. Gret- 
tor, Eev. Silas C. Lindsley, and Dr. Joseph A. McLean as associates. 

In 1856 a male school was conducted in the same building by Jas. D. 
Campbell. 

In 1857 Prof. Chas. W. Holbrook opened a male school in the build- 
ing, but moved to Hopkins hotel because it was too near the railroad. 

In 1857 the Greensboro Classical school was opened in a new brick 
building on Edgeworth street, where Judge Schenck's residence now 
stands. Jas. D. Campbell was its first principal, but taking a place 
in Edgeworth Female Seniinarv, he was succeeded by Professor C. W. 
Holbrook. 



20 GEEENSBOEO— 1808-1904 

Rev. W. D. Paisley, the organizer of the First Presbyterian church 
in Greensboro, taught a girl's school prior to 1830. The building stood 
on Gaston street. This was the predecessor of Edgeworth Female 
Seminary. After Mr. Paisley quit teaching he was succeeded in this 
school by Miss Judith Mendenhall, Miss Anna D. Salmon, and Miss 
Humphries; and about 1836 Miss Mary Ann Hoj^e and Miss Austin, 
who became the wife of E. G. Lindsay. 

In 1840 John M. Morehead, who had just been elected Governor of 
the State, erected a four-story brick building on West Market street, 
on the south side, where Edgeworth street crosses it, and established 
Edgeworth Female Seminary. Miss Anna Hoye was its first princi- 
pal, and it had a fine patronage. Among its teachers were Misses 
Emily Hubbard, and Eliza Eose, and Misses Nash and Kollock. Eev. 
John A. Gretter, and Professors Breite and Brandt, the two last named 
teachers of music. In 1844 Miss Hoye died, and Dr. and Mrs. D. P. 
Weir took charge of the scnool. They were succeeded the following- 
year bj' Eev. Gilbert Morgan and wife. 

In 1850 Professor Eichard Sterling took the school and ran it success- 
fully until 1862, when the war closed nearly every school in the 
Southern States. In 1868 Eev. J. M. M. Caldwell, grandson of Dr. 
David Caldwell, leased the property and continued the school until 
1871, when he removed to Eome, Ga., and Edgeworth Seminary — 
which was dear to the hearts of many noble Southern women closed 
its doors as a school. 

When a boy a two-story brick building stood on the corner of 
Sycamore and Ashe streets, and tradition says it was there as early 
as 1820 and that ''Father" Paisley taught a male school there— and 
that it was known as Caldwell Institute — and was the predecessor of 
the more pretentious Institute of same name mentioned above. 

In 1820 Thomas Caldwell donated ground on Gaston street, about 
where Willie J. Smith's house stands, and a small brick house was 
built and a female school opened and successfully operated until Gov- 
ernor Jno. M. Morehead, in 1845, built Edgeworth to succeed it. It is 
thought that Misses Eliza Eose and Emily Hubbard taught this school 
— as they were part of the first faculty of Edgeworth. 

Sometime in the early forties a school for girls was taught by the 
Misses Dorsey, on South Elm street, about opposite the store of E. M. 
Andrews. It was near the first Methodist church ever built in the 
town; and chiefly patronized by the Methodists, and believed to be 
the predecessor of Greensboro Female College. 



Eev. Calvin H. Wiley, of Guilford, was the first Superintendent of 
Public Instruction in North Carolina, elected in 1840. 



GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 21 

The North Carolina State Normal and Industrial College 

The history of how this great institution became a reality and why 
it was located in Greensboro, is briefly told by its efficient President, 
Dr. Charles D. Mclver, to whom more than any one else is due the sen- 
timent which gave it birth, and whose untiring energy has made it 
what it is today — the most successful college for women in the South. 
In his report to the board of directors November 30, 1898, he says: 
"By act of the General Assembly of 1891, the North Carolina State 
Normal and Industrial College was established. Its charter name was 
'The Normal and Industrial School'; but the General Assembly of 
1897 changed it to 'The State Normal and Industrial College'. 

"In 1886, the Teachers' Assembly, then in session at Black Moun- 
tain, passed unanimous resolutions asking for the establishment of a 
Normal College, and appointed a committee to memorialize the General 
Assembly on the subject. Each succeeding Teachers' Assembly, up 
to 1891, passed similar resolutions and appointed similar committees 
to present the matter to the legislature. In his biennial report to the 
General Assembly Honorable S. M. Finger, State Superintendent of 
Public Instruction, repeatedly urged the importance of establishing 
such an institution. But it was not until the session of 1889 that the 
question really came before the General Assembly for serious consid- 
eration. At that session the bill presented by the committee from the 
Teachers' Assembly passed the Senate by a large majority, and failed 
in the House by only a few votes. 

"The Teachers' Assembly committee consisted of Charles D. Mclver, 
chairman; E. G. Harrell, E. P. Moses, E. A. Alderman, George T. Win- 
ston, D. Matt Thompson, and Mrs. J. A. McDonald. 

"By the time the next General Assembly had met in January, 1891, 
the late Governor Fowle had, in his annual message, urged the estab- 
lishment of the institution. In the meantime the King's Daughters had 
petitioned the legislature to establish an Industrial School for girls. 

[Note by collator — This petition was written by Miss Bettie Carter, 
then a teacher in the Greensboro Female College, and adopted at the 
annual session of the King's Daughters held in Greensboro in 1890. 
The same year the annual session of the Woman's Christian Temper- 
ance Union of the State endorsed this petition and joined them iu 
presenting it to the legislature.] 

"The North Carolina Farmers' Alliance, in 1890, at its annual 
meeting in Asheville, passed resolutions asking the State to aid in the 
higher education of girls and women. Honorable J. L. M. Curry, agent 
of the Peabody Fund, appeared before the General Assembly and made 
an earnest and powerful plea for a Normal College, and through him, 
the Peabody Fund gives substantial aid to the institution. The act 
establishing the institution required that it should be located at some 



GEEENSBOKO— 1808-1904 23 

suitable place where the citizens thereof will furnish the necessary 
buildings or money sufficient to erect them. The board of directors 
decided to accept Greensboro 's offer, which was $30,000 in money 
voted by the city, and a beautiful ten-acre site, located in the corpor- 
ate limits of the city, and donated by Messrs. E. S. Pullen, E. T. Gray, 
and others. Since the original donation the directors have purchased 
about one hundred and sixteen acres of land, adjoining the original 
site." 

The General Assembly in 1891, appropriated $10,000 annually, which 
in 1895, was increased to $2o,000, and in 1903 to $40,000. Tuition is 
free to those who signify their intention to teach. 

The growth of the college has been phenomenal under President 
Mclver's management, and although only in its twelfth year has 
matriculated about two thousand five hundred. The average attend- 
ance for the past twelve years has been about four hundred and 
twenty-five, and would be greater but for want of dormitory room. 
About one thousand nine hundred graduates are engaged in teaching, 
having charge of at least one hundred thousand children. 

The manner in which Greensboro secured this golden prize is worthy 
of mention. The board of directors asked for at least $25,000 and 
ten acres of land. Before reaching Greensboro a neighboring town 
was visited by the board and this amount pledged by its leading 
citizens. Greensboro in public mass-meeting at once ofiiered the 
choice of four ten-acre lots and $27,500; another town said it would 
do as well. The board of directors favored Greensboro and said if she 
would say $30,000 it meant a location. The citizens said so promptly. 
Then some of the board suggested that this was only a promise, and 
when put to a vote to issue bonds might fail. The meeting then 
adjourned until night, anu when called to order a written obligation 
was read from men able to make good the $30,000 in ease the bond 
issue was not carried by a vote, and thus the contract was sealed. 
When the vote took place legally not a single vote was polled against 
the bond issue. 

This was Greensboro 's second bonded debt, and the wisdom of the 
action is today universally admitted — it being considered the best 
investment that could have been maue — as the college brings annually 
into the city more money than was donated — besides adding to it:^; 
population thousands who have settled around the college for the pur- 
pose of educating their children. 

In addition to the main building there have been added: A large 
dormitory building (destroyed by fire January 21, 1904, and is being 
replaced by a better building) ; the students ' building, a very hand- 
some structure nearly completed and largely with money contributed 
by the students and their friends; the Curry building for practice and 
observation school; an infirmary building; a wooden dormitory struc- 



24 GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 

ture; two rented dormitory buildings, barn and dairy buildings — 
making total value in land, buildings, and fixtures not less than 
$300,000. 

The fire occurred at 3.45 a. m., yet over three hundred young women 
marched out unharmed — though all losing more or less in money or 
clothing. Their wonderful escape and presence of mind was a tribute 
to their good sense and efficient training. 

The regular exercises of the college were resumed after four weeks' 
vacation, and four hundred students were present at first roll-call. 

On April 18, 1904, a contract was closed with W. C. Bain for rebuild- 
ing the dormitory, which will be enlarged and improved. It will be 
two stories high, four hundred and ninety-two feet long, one hundred 
and twelve feet wide, with dining room sixty by two hundred feet. 

In February, 1904, Mr. Andrew Carnegie made the college a dona- 
tion of library building, 



Greensboro Female College 

In September, 1843, the corner-stone of Greensboro Female College 
building was laid. In the summer of 1845, the building made of brick 
and containing thirty-six rooms was completed. On February 1, 1846, 
Rev. S. Lea was elected president. This was the first regularly char- 
tered female college in North Carolina, and the second south of the 
Potomac. Act ratified December 28, 1838. In 1856 a wing on the west 
end was erected to aiford room for the rapidly increasing patronage. 
Still there was a demand for more room, and in 1859 a wing on the 
east side was erected. On the nineteenth of August, 1863, in the 
midst of its brilliant success it was destroyed by fire. August 27, 
1873, ten years and seventeen days after the destruction of the old 
building, the college was re-opened. The new building was very large 
and commodious and well suited for school purposes, and offered 
superior advantages for the mental and moral training of young ladies. 
The object of those having charge of the school is to so govern and 
instruct those committed to their care, as to prepare them, not only 
for society, but for the stern realities of a responsible existence. 

The first President, Rev. Solomon Lea, resigned in 1847, and was 
scuceedeu by Rev. A. M. Shipp, D. D. In 1850, Rev. Chas. F. Deems, 
D. D. LL. D., was elected president. In 1854, Rev. T. M. Jones, D. D., 
was elected president, which j^osition he ably filled until his death in 
1890. 

During this long time these able divines were in charge of the col- 
lege, it was the property of the North Carolina Conference Methodist 
Episcopal church. South. 



GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 



25 



The conference having incurred a heavy debt in its rebuilding, the 
property was sold, and in 1882, passed into the hands or a joint stock 
company, with Julian S. Carr, as president; J. A. Odell, secretary and 
treasurer; R. T. Gray, attorney. 

Dr. B. F. Dixon succeeded Rev. T. M. Jones as president, and 
resigned in 1893. His successor was Rev. Frank L. Reid, D. D., who 
died September 24, 1894. His successor Professor Dred Peacock, very 
acceptably filled the responsible position, and under whose manage- 
ment the school continued to grow in usefulness and patronage. Dr. 
Peacock was succeeded by Mrs. Lucy H. Robinson in 1902, and in 190.3 
the stockholders, tiring of the responsibility of the college, advertised 




GREENSBORO FEMALE COLLEGE 

(Destroyed by Fire, February LS, 1904) 



the property for sale at the end of the Spring session. This action 
was a surprise and a shock to the people of Greensboro, and the Meth- 
odists of the State. The alumna3 took the matter in hand, and by 
heroic effort saved the school, and re-opened its doors at regular time 
in the Fall — with Mrs. Robinson, as president, and who was the first 
lady president of a college in the South. 

At the annual session of the North Carolina Conference and West- 
ern North Carolina Conference, held in the Fall of 1903, the college 
was tendered to them jointly to be the female college of the whole 
State. This proposition was accepted and trustees from each confer- 
ence appointed to act with trustees from the alumna;, under whose 
supervision it was to be conducted. Thus, after many years of 




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GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 27 

doubt and vmcertainty, the property once more came into the hands 
of the Methodists of the State as was originally designed when first 
incorporated. 

It was then in good, safe hands, with no fear of being lost to the 
Methodist church — and with Mrs. Robinson as its president— a glorious 
and prosperous future awaits it. 

Greensboro stood nobly by the alumnte in their efforts — as did the 
membership of the whole church in both conferences. 

curing the life of the college it has turned out about seven hundred 
and thirty graduates and its roll of students has run way up into the 
thousands. No other institution in the State has wielded a wider or 
more potent influence for good than has this great college. 

February 18, 1904, this building was again destroyed by fire — loss 
estimated at $60,000 — with insurance for $35,000. This was used to 
pay off the mortgage, and active efforts were again put forth to once 
more open its doors to the young women of the State, and save the 
school to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of North Carolina. 

The school expects to open October 1, 1904. 



Greensboro Graded Schools 

In Superintendent Mebane's report, for the years 1896- '98, he says: 
' ' Here was established the first system of public schools in the State 
supported by a special tax. ' ' But this important step in the direc- 
tion of public education requires a more extended notice. 

The writer was for seven years one of the aldermen of Greensboro 
and had the pleasure of drafting the charter by which the town was 
called a ' ' city ' '. The late Judge Gilmer was a member of the board 
and R. M. Sloan, mayor. Judge Gilmer said "city" was rather prema- 
ture; but "Uncle" Bob said, "it sounded nice, and could do no harm". 
The writer remarked that he expected to liA^e to see the town built 
from Buffalo to Buffalo. So it was ordered that the amended charter 
be sent to the legislature. It was ratified March 28, 1870, and con- 
tained this clause: 

"Section 74. That the corporate limits of the city shail constitute 
a school district, and that all taxes levied upon the citizens by the 
State for school purposes, shall be expended in conformity with the 
regulations of the State, in establishing graded schools within the 
city, and should the amount thus realized not be sufficient to keep 
the schools open eight months in the year, in that event the commis- 
sioners shall appropriate a sufficient amount of money from auy funds 
on hand belonging to the city to supply the deficiency." 

The late Alex. Mclver, who was then Superintendent of Public 
Instruction, went betore the legislature and urged the adoption of this 



28 



GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 



clause, and said no town in the State should be chartered that did not 
make a special provision for maintaining public schools. He comple- 
mented Greensboro for its action, and said it was the first town in the 
State to do so. He was afterwards the second superintendent of 
Greensboro 's graded schools. 




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The charter was ratified at the May election, and the city took 
control of the free school building on the present site of Lindsay 
graded school. It was a small brick building of one room; but the 
city contracted with Symoure Steele, then a member of the board of 
aldermen, and C. N. McAdoo, to enlarge the building — making five 



GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 29 

school-rooms and a chapel. It was two stories high. In this building, 
in the Fall of the same year, was opened the first graded school in 
the State; Jesse R. Wharton was principal, and Misses Sallie Brent, 
Priscilla Macon, and Annie Litchford, teachers. The enrollment was 
nearly two hundred — with eight grades. 

[Professor Wharton died March 5, 1904, aged seventy.] 

So popular was this school that many of the best citizens of the 
city sent their children to it. It soon became apparent that a specific 
amount was necessary to keep the school from being embarrassed, 
hence in 1875, several amendments to the charter were asked for and 
granted by the legislature. Among them the following: 

' ' Section 2. The commissioners may increase the rate of taxation 
prescribed in sections 45 and 55, one hundred per cent.; provided, that 
the additional taxes collected from property by authority of this sec- 
tion, shall be applied for school purposes only. ' ' Ratified March 8, 
1875. 

The writer, who was the author of the graded school clause, went to 
Raleigh to urge its adoption. Colonel James T. Morehead was Senator 
at this session and made a gallant fight for the amendment, which 
met with some opposition because it was proposed to double the tax on 
property, and give the colored children their pro-rata of the money. 
Colonel Morehead quieted the opposition by amending section 5, which 
empowered this increased tax, to be submitted to a separate ballot 
at the next election for mayor and commissioners. When this election 
was held in the following May, only eight votes were polled against it. 

This year the Percy street graded school for colored children was 
opened. It seats three hundred and fifty-six. 

In 1886, when the city began to maKe decided growth, Judge David 
Schenck was elected a member of the board of aldermen, and made 
chairman of the school committee. His wise foresight and generous 
impulses, which endeared him to the city and State, prompted him to 
desire better school buildings. The first fruits of his work in this 
direction was the handsome brick bui^aing of Lindsay street graded 
school, which was completed in 1887, and equipped with modern school 
furniture. Seating capacity, five hundred and eighty-three. 

In May, 1891, the corporate limits were extended — making the city 
two miles square. In September of the same year a school for each 
race was opened south of the Southern Railway — this gave Greensboro 
four graded schools — two for each race. 

The growth of the schools continued from year to year, and large 
additions were made to Lindsay street school. In 1899 the Catholic 
church building adjoining was purchased for a higher grade. 

In 1893 so urgent were the demands for more school room than was 
afforded by Belleview, on McColloch street, a bond issue of $9,000 was 
made for building the Asheboro street graded school, of which Superin- 



30 



GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 



tendent of Public Instruction Mebane said in his report for 1897- '98 
"It is one of the handsomest and best equipped public school build- 
ings in the State". And he adds: "It is a significant fact that 
Greensboro has not only provided splendid buildings for her own 
schools; but she has put $41,000 in buildings for the Normal and 
Industrial College for white girls, and Mechanical College for the 
colored race. * * * Probably no other town in the State or in the 
South has a larger percentage of its school population enrolled in the 
public school." Seating capacity of this scnool, three hundred and 
sixtv-one. 




ASHEBORO STREET GRADED SCHOOL 



A school was opened in the Curry building of State Normal in 1902. 

The Warnersville Grammar school was built in 1892, and has a seat- 
ing capacity of one hundred and forty-four. 

In oi'der to meet the demands of the children in the western part 
of the city in 1900, the Curry building of the State Normal was ten- 
dered the city. It has a seating capacity of three hundred and fifty- 
three, with an enrollment of three hundred and thirty-four for the 
session of 1904. The city will soon erect a handsome building on 
Spring street to be known as the high-school building. 

The following have been superintendents in the order named; Jesse 
R. Wharton, Alex. Mclver, N. C. English, Robert Foard, C. P. Prazier, 
J. L. Tomlinson, G. A. Grimsley, Edgar D. Broadhurst, and Wiley H, 
Smith. 



GEEENSBOEO— 1808-1904 31 

Mr. E. P. Wharton gives annually $50 for prizes to the children 
whose work in any year shows the greatest improvement in any grade. 

Mr. Howard Gardner gives annually $10 as prize for best written 
essay by a member of the graduating class of the High School. 

Mr. C. H. Ireland and Mr. C. M. Vanstory each give $10 for the best 
vear's work in music. 



Bennett College 



Bennett College was opened in the city of Greensboi-o, N. C, in 
1873, by the Freedman 's Aid and Southern Education Society of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. It is one of the forty-six institutions 
founded and more or less sustained by that church in the South, 
attended by over fourteen thousand students annually. It offers a 
good Christian education to all worthy persons, regardless of sex or 
sects. About 1876 it became housed in the magnificent four-story 
brick building. It then became a boarding school and began to be 
known abroad. In 1889 it was chartered as a College under the laws 
of North Carolina. 

In connection with Bennett College is a fine four-story building, 
known as Carolina Hall. The chapel will seat five hundred jjeople, 
and there are twenty-eight dormitory rooms, for young men. This 
building was built principally by the preachers and laymen of the 
North Carolina Conference. 

The Kent Home, on the same grounds, is one of the many which 
the Woman's Home Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church supports in the South for the purpose of training colored 
girls for home-makers. 



Agricultural and Mechanical College for the Colored Race 

This college was established by an act of the General Assembly, 
ratified March 9, 1891. The leading object of the institution is 
declared by said act to be instruction in practical agriculture, the 
mechanic arts, and such branches of learning as relate thereto. The 
citizens of Greensboro donated twenty-five acres of land and $8,000, 
to be used in construction of buildings. In 1893 this was supple- 
mented by an appropriation of $10,000 by the General Assembly. 
The main building, one of the finest school edifices in North Carolina, 
was completed in 1893, and the school opened in the Fall of that year. 
A large dormitory, which cost $6,000, a complete laundry and a green- 




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GEEENSBOEO— 1808-1904 33 

house have been added. In the Summer of 1895 the Mechanical Build- 
ing, a large two-story brick structure, eighty-eight by one hundred and 
nineteen feet, was erected at a cost of about $9,000. This building 
by the expenditure of about $7,000, has been supplied with probably 
the finest and most modern equipments of any school in the State. 

No provision being made by act of incorporation, allowing any city 
to aid in the construction of the building, and not wishing to wait 
two years for an amended charter, the trustees appealed to the citi- 
zens, and a joint note for $8,000 was executed by the following gen- 
tlemen and placed in the bank — subject to draft as work progressed: 
Dr. D. W. C. Benbow, J. W. Scott, D. F. Caldwell, M. G. Newell, J. H, 
Cook, W. E. Brooks, C. P. Vanstory, E. M. Eees, "W. M. Houston, Tyre 
Glenn, Judge J. A. Gilmer, J. L. King, S. S. Brown, J. E. Mendenhall, 
Honorable Jas. D. Glenn, Colonel J. M. Winstead, J. M. Hendrix, E. P. 
Wharton, A. G. Kirkman, Aaron Mendenhall, Judge E. M, Douglas, E. 
E. King, J. H. Phipps, J. F. Jordan, Neil Ellington, J. A. Odell, Dr. 
W. P. Beall, J. J. Nelson, C. E. Holton, W. G. Armfield, and H. H. Cart- 
land. 

The building was nearly completed when the vote was held on issuing 
the bonds, and only one man voted against the donation. 

This institution will compare favorably with any similar institu- 
tion for colored people in the South. 



Read This I 



A record no State in the Union can excel — as an evidence of 
Greensboro's liberality and unanimity in favor of piiblic schools: 

In 1872, Greensboro opened her system of graded schools for both 
races, giving the colored children their pro-rata of the school fund. 

In 1875 a vote was held to ratify an amendment increasing the tax 
on real estate 25 cents (which was only 25 cents on the $100 for all 
purposes), which was to be used for maintaining the graded schools. 
Against this only eight voted no. 

In 1889 the city voted to donate $30,000 to secure the State Normal 
and Industrial College — and not a single vote was against it. 

In 1891 — only one vote was polled against donating $8,000 to the 
State Agricultural and Mechanical College for the colored race. 



CHAPTER V 

THE MEN WHO STARTED THE TOWN 

Dr. Chapman, Greensboro 's first physician, is said to have 
built the first residence, which stood on the corner of West Market 
and Ashe streets. 

The first business house was built on the corner of West Market 
and Greene streets, and was only torn down in 1902, by Jno. L. King 
to make room for the handsome brick building now on that corner. 

About 1818 "Father" Paisley moved to Greensboro from Orange' 
county to serve as teacher and preacher. He took up his residence 
in Geo. Albright 's hotel, which was in the frame building now on 
East Market street, opposite the postoflfice. He preached and taught in 
the male academy, corner of Sycamore and Ashe streets. 

The first organization of a town government for Greensboro of 
which there is a record, was made April 29, 1829. This was under an 
act of the legislature of 1828 amendatory of an act passed in 1824, 
"for the better regulation of the town of Greensboro in Guilford 
county". 

The commissioners then elected were William Adams, John M. Dick, 
Jacob Hubbard, Christopher Moring, and Eobert Moderwell. William 
Adams was elected chairman, T. Early Strange, secretary; and John 
M. Logan, tax collector and public officer. 

Mr. Eobert Lindsay moved in from Martinsville and built a store 
on the northeast corner of Market and Elm streets. Colonel Gillespie, 
a revolutionary soldier, owned the southeast corner of Elm and Market 
streets, afterwards known as the Caldwell corner, and now used for 
the postoffice building. John Scott owned a store on the south-west 
corner of the same streets; and the north-west corner was owned by 
Simeon and Abram Guren, merchants. The court house in the center 
of the square completed the business part of the town. A bold, gush- 
ing spring on ground where the Odd Fellows' building now stands 
furnished water tor the inhabitants. 

June 10, 1829, T. Early Strange and John M. Logan were ordered 
to assess each man 's real estate and take the census. The census 
showed a population within the corporation of three hundred and 
sixty-nine. 

The following tax list was made upon this census: "There are one 
hundred and twenty-four taxable polls at 50c. each, $62.00; amount 
real estate, $53,495, 10c. $100, $53.50; five stores at $7 each, $35.00; 
three retail liquor shops at $2.50 each, $7.50; one stallion owned 



GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 35 

and standing in the place, $2.00; making in the hands of the police 
officer for collection the sum of $160.00 to defray expenses of 
keeping up streets and pumps, agreeable to the order of the commis- 
sioners.'^ 

The largest real estate owner at that time was Henry Humphreys, 
who was put down at $12,000. The largest slave owner was Robert 
Carson, who had fifteen. The people in Greensboro at that time who 
had real estate assessed at $1,000 and upwards were Christopher Mor- 
ing, $2,300; William Adams, $2,000; Jacob Hubbard, $4,200; John M. 
Dick, $2,500; John M. Logan, $2,000; Jed. H. Lindsay, $3,500; David 
Scott, $1,200; Robert Moderwell, $2,000; David Caldwell, $1,500; 
Jesse McQuiston, $1,000; John Hoskins, $2,500; Andrew Lindsay, 
$1,000; Levi Houston, $1,000; Henry Humphreys, $12,000, and Benj. 
Overman, $1,500. 

March 15, 1830, William Adams, chairman of the board, was allowed 
$20 for taking care of town pumps one year, and John M. Logan was 
allowed $15 for one year's service as public officer. 

At this meeting patrol regulations were adopted. Citizens over 
twenty-one and under forty-five were organized into companies of five. 
They patrolled at night, and had authority to give not more than 
fifteen lashes to slaves caught out at night, or in kitchens where they 
did not belong. AH free negroes caught out after ten o'clock at night 
were taken before the magistrates. The patrol also arrested ' ' any 
and all disorderly or suspicious persons found on the streets or in 
nigger kitchens after ten o 'clock at night ' '. Service on the patrol 
one year cancelled a poll tax. 

At the same meeting taxes were laid as follows: Poll, 50c.; 10c. on 
the $100 of real estate; merchant's license $7; retailer of spirituous 
liquors, $2.50; stallion, $2. 

Repairing streets was let to the lowest bidder, who was required 
to give bond and approved security. 

February, 1831, the board summoned before it James T. Morehead, 
Robert Mitchell, Jesse H. Lindsay, and Robert Baylye for refusing to 
do patrol duty. Lindsay and Baylye were twice fined for this viola- 
tion. An attempt to enforce the regulations stirred up some fight, 
and in 1832 a new board was elected, composed of Henry Humphreys, 
David Scott, George Albright, Jesse H. Lindsay, and James T. More- 
head. This board ordered Mr. Morehead to draw up a new Code of 
Regulations for the town. They adopted a more elaborate system of 
taxation and made many innovations. Citizens were required to give 
in their taxable property and polls under oath. Poll tax was fixed at 
50c. and real estate at 6c. on the $100. Slaves over twelve years cost 
the owners 25c. poll tax. Merchants were taxed 50c. on every $1,000 
invested in business. Liquor license was raised to $4. The system 
of working the streets was adopted. John A. Gilmer, Walter Win- 



36 (JEEENSBOEO— 1808-1904 

bourn, and others were frequently hauled up and fined. The fines were 
never collected. 

At one meeting while George Albright was acting chairman his 
license was reduced from $4 to $2; Jesse H. Lindsay and David Scott 
were the other members of the board present. At the same meeting 
it was ordered that $1 be paid Wm. K. D. Lindsay for money which he 
had advanced for the town two years before, to Allen Cook for 
mending the town pump. 

February, 1833, brought another upheaval in town politics and a 
new board went in. They ordained that every householder should pro- 
cure two ladders for each house; one to reach the eaves, and the 
other to reach from the eaves to the comb. A penalty of $5 was fixed 
for failing to do this. It was also ordered that the treasurer forth- 
with have ten fire hooks made; he was also ordered to advertise and 
let to the lowest bidder, the winding up, setting, and oiling of the 
town clock. 

At a meeting in March, 1833, John M. Logan and Wm. E. D. Lind- 
say were ordered to go that evening and see that ladders were pro- 
vided for houses according to law. The police ofiicer was ordered to 
summon William Kerr, chairman of the board, Drs. Scott and Donnell, 
Walter Winbourn and others on the charge of keeping wood in the 
streets. Tavern keepers were taxed $3; hogs running at large, 10c. 
each; dogs, 50c. each. The head of a family was allowed one dog 
free. In December, 1835, James T. Morehead and George Albright 
were appointed a committee to contract for repairing the town clock. 

In 1837 the General Assembly passed an act to incorporate the town 
of Greensboro. Under this law the corporate limits were extended 
and made one mile square. No person was eligible to office who had 
not for six months preceding his election been the owner in fee of 
one lot of land in the town; and resided there the same length of 
time. Six months' residence was required for voters. Section 5 of the 
act limited the taxation to 50c. on the poll; 6c. on the $100 of real 
estate; 6c. on $100 merchants' purchases, and it was provided "that 
the tax of no one individual on his real estate shall exceed the sum 
of $5 for any one year". This was repealed in 1844. 

In 1837 is found the firsf assignment of citizens to work the streets. 
The town was marked off into four divisions for this work. In this, 
assignment are the following names which will be of interest: 

First Division — James Sloan, overseer; Wm. E. D. Lindsay, Joseph 
Houston, Andrew Weatherly, Harris Kirkman, Peter Adams, E. Gar- 
rett, Washington Alley, Lewis Bass, W. Westbrook, Thomas Eice,. 
James T. Morehead, Jesse Causey, Enoch Morgan, Wm. Garrett, and 
John Brown. 

Second Division — Sidney Porter, overseer; John M. Morehead, Mrs. 
A. M. Mebane's Ned, D. A. Woodson, John A. Mebane's hands; Wm. 



GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 37 

Weatherly, Henr}^ H. Ryder, Wm. Paisley's hands; Daniel Moore, Wm. 
H. Gumming, Thomas Caldwell, Franklin Caldwell, Newton Caldwell, 
Dr. Caldwell, Calvin Caldwell, Thomas Caldwell, Jr., John A. Gilmer, 
Dr. Jarnett, Captain E. Willis, Jesse Stephens, Jos. A. McLain, Robert 
Sloan, Robert G. Lindsay and his boy, Frank. 

Third Division — Henry Humphreys, overseer; James Mclver, John 
Hancock, W. A. Winbourn, Caldwell A. Gillespie, Thomas Tate, N. B. 
Houston, Mrs. S. Mendenhall 's hands, G. G. Townsend, John Caruthers, 
James Bryant, Jesse H. Lindsay, John M. Dick, and Jed. H. Lindsay. 

Fourth Division — Reuben Dick, overseer; Wm. Wood, Joab Hiatt, 
David Scott, Calvin McAdoo, George Albright, Zadock Rolin, colored, 
Wm. Spencer, Chas. Eberhard, John Eubanks, Charles Evans, Benj. 
E. Woollen, Granville Alley, W. W. Woodburn, Robert Wiley, Milton 
Ross, Wm. Moring, Dr. Adams, Joseph Sears, Peter Rich, John Denny, 
Jos. Sullivan, Isaac Edly, Jesse Needham, Levi Donnell, Jesse Gil- 
braitli, Thomas Buchanan, Zeb Pritchett, John Carroll, Judge Dick 's 
boy Solomon, John Denny, George Trotter, and James Starrett. 

In March, 1839, John A. Mebane, chairman, made a contract in be- 
half of the town with Jeremiah and Jesse L. Lumbly to act as watch- 
men for the year. They were to keep watch over the streets and 
property from ten o'clock at night until break of day, and from mid- 
night until day proclaim through the four main streets the time of 
night and the condition of the town: Calling aloud, "one o'clock, 
all's well," etc. For this they were to receive $1.50 a week, payable 
every Saturday night. 

At the April meeting, 1839, John A. Gilmer, chairman of the board 
pro tem., was reported by Officer Townsend for keeping wood and a 
wagon on the street. This entry was made: "John A. Gilmer being 
present, it was ordered and decreed that he pay a fine of $1." 

At the June meeting, 1839, real estate tax was fixed at 4 cents on 
the $100; also a fine of $50 for playing cards inside the corporation. 
It was also ordered that Jesse H. Lindsay send North for twenty 
pairs of fire buckets for the town. 

October 18, 1839, it was ordered "that the main streets, north, south, 
east, and west shall be planted with elm strees during the coming 
Spring, at regular distances from each other and at regular distances 
from the houses." 

January 30, 1840, Dr. John A. Mebane, Jesse H. Lindsay, and James 
Sloan were authorized to contract with some person to set the trees. 
A colored man named Gill set out the trees. He was paid $34 for the 
work. 

[These trees were the fine elms which stood on Market and Elm 
streets — so recently cut down.] 

In February, 1841, Jas. Sloan and Jesse H. Lindsay, were appointed 
a committee "to contract for resetting such trees as have died since 



38 GEEENSBOEO— 1808-1904 

planted". Tn June, 1841, Jas. Sloan was appointed superintendent of 
streets till February court, 1842. 

In February, 1843, action was taken to do something towards drain- 
ing the meadow and marsh running from Mrs. Moring's in a north- 
easterly course through the town across Hillsboro road. 

[This was a ditch which was cut to drain the swamp back of the 
present McAdoo House, and crossed East Market at Forbis street, and 
is known as Muddy branch.] 

An epidemic of fever and sickness aroused the people. Honorable J. 
M. Dick, Dr. Lindsay, Jos. A. McLean, and Peter Adams were appointed 
to investigate anci report if the trouble could be remedied by proper 
ditching. On their recommendation ditching was done under super- 
vision of Dr. Jos. A. McLean and James Mclver. 

The foregoing details include the names of the heads of families 
and the familiar figures controlling the movements of the town of 
Greensboro from its founding to the year 18.55, when the legislature 
again changed the organic law. 

We may well be proud of everything in connection with the early 
history of Greensboro. Look at the names and consider the sturdy 
pioneers of our prosperity. From the list may be gathered names of 
men who were distinguished in the life of the State and the nation. 
Distinguished in Church and State, in civil and military life. 

Before 1850 the following public-houses — called inns — were in 
Greensboro: 

George Albright, where he had a hotel for forty years, was the old 
frame building now standing on East Market street, third building 
from the corner. 

Genoa Townsend, whose wife was Kev. Eli Caruther's sister, occu- 
pied the old frame building— next to John Dick's laundry, on West 
Market street. 

Gott & Bland ran a hotel where the Trogden building now stands. 

Solomon Hopkins' hotel was on the site of the county court-house. 

Christopher Moring had a hotel on the corner of East Markeh and 
Davie streets, where G. W. Denny's store stands. 

In 1856, George Albright was elected intendent; commissioners, 
Michael Brown, Chas. G. Yates, James M. Garrett. Votes polldl 
ninety-one. 

The North Carolina Railroad was then running, and Jacob B. Balsley 
was agent, and gave the following as receipts for the first nineteen 
days: Tickets, $579.99; freight, $129.92. 

The leading men in business then were: E. W. Ogburn, book store; 
A. P. Eckel, jeweler; W. S. Gilmer, general merchandise; W. C. Por- 
ter, druggist; Rankin & McLean, general merchandise; R. G. Lind- 
say, hardware; J. W. Hewlett & Son, dentists; Jan.es M. Hughes, 
tailor; T. M. Woodburn, confectioner; Andrew Weathorly, dry goods; 



GEEENSBOEO— 1808-1904 39 

C. G. Yates, tinner; Peter Thurston, furniture. Many descendants of 
these men are now living in Greensboro. 

In 1857 the election resulted: C. G. Yates, mayor; James F. Jollee, 
Chas. E. Shober, James M. Garrett, M. S. Sherwood, commissiouors. 

Tax on poll 75 cents; real estate, 8 cents; liqu^n' license, $20. For 
three years there had been no open saloon — this year there were three, 
on East Market street. 

On January 8, 1857, a senate bill to incorporate the Greensboro and 
Danville railroad was defeated by a vote of fourteen to thirty-two. 

1861 — Mayor A. P. Eckel; commissioners, Lyndon Swain, Jas. M. 
Garrett, A. Whittington, Jed. H. Lindsay, M. Brown. 

1862 — A. P. Eckel, mayor; with practically, if not entirely the 
same aldermen. 

1863— A. P. Eckel, mayor; same or practically the same aldermen, 
I'' 1864 — Richard Sterling, mayor; aldermen not known. 

1865, 1866, 1867, 1868, and probably 1869— Colonel Wm. L. Scott was 
military mayor by appointment of General Canby. No more com- 
plaint was made of his administration than of any others preceding, 
notwithstanding the troublous times, just following the war. 

1870 — Mayor, R. M. Sloan; commissioners, Jas. W. Albright, Julius 
A. Gray, Jno. A. Gilmer, A. J. Broekmann. This board asked the 
legislature for a new charter. It was drawn by J. A. Gilmer and 
Jas. W. Albright — the latter suggesting the name "City". [See 
Graded Schools, chapter IV, also acts of General Assembly 1869- '70.] 

1871 — Mayor, R. M. Sloan; aldermen, Julius A. Gray, W. B. Bogart, 
Jas. W. Albright, Wm. Collins. 

1872 — Mayor, R. M. Sloan; aldermen, Jas. W. Albright, J. B. 
Balsley, W. B. Bogart, Wm. Collins. 

1873 — Mayor, R. M. Sloan; aldermen, Jas. W. Albright, John A. Gil- 
mer, Julius A. Gray, B. E. Sergeant. 

This board extended Elm street by removing the Gilmer residence 
in North Elm, and Caldwell Institute in South Elm. 

1874 — Mayor, Cyrus P. Mendenhall; aldermen, Seymore Steele, John 
W. Payne, Jas. W. Albright, D. W. C. Benbow, B. E. Sergeant, W. D. 
McAdoo. 

1875— Mayor, C. P. Mendenhall; aldermen, Jas. W. Albright, Sey- 
more Steele, Jno. W. Payne, D. W. C. Benbow, W. D. McAdoo, B. E, 
Sergeant. 

This board built the market house, corner Sycamore and Davie 
streets. [This building was burned Sunday morning. May 27, 1888, 
and all the records of the city destroyed.] 

The Lindsay street building for white children, was now completed, 
and the brick building erected on Percy street for colored children — 
and graded schools for both races were opened. 



40 



GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 



1876 — Mayor, C. P. Mendenhall; aldermen, Julius A. Gray, Jas. W. 
Albright, J. W. Payne, Junius I. Scales, D. W. C. Benbow, Thomas 
McMahon. 

Jas. W. Albright was clerk to the Sloan and Mendenhall boards. 

1877 — Mayor, S. C. Dodson; aldermen, L. M. Scott, A. P. Eckel, W. 
K. Eldridge, C. G. Yates, Willis Sikes, J. C. Cunningham. 

1883 — Mayor, R. R. King; commissioners, W. E. Bevill, W. B. 
Bogart, H. H. Tate, W. T. Sergeant, L. M. Scott, Geo. W. Alley. 

1884— Mayor, R. R. King; aldermen, W. E. Bevill, W. B. Bogart, H. 
H. Tate, W. T. Sergeant, L. M. Scott, G. W. Alley. 




CITY HALL AND OPERA HOUSE 



1885 — Mayor, R. R. King; commissioners, L. M. Scott, J. K. Hall, C. 
P. Vanstory, G. W. Alley, W. B. Bogart, R. S. Dalton. 

1887 — Mayor, J. A. Barringer. 

1888 — Mayor, J. A. Barringer; commissioners, J. A. Odell, J. W. 
Scott, L. M. Hawkins, S. C. Dodson, J. J. Nelson, W. E. Coffin, Neil 
Ellington, W. E. Bevill, J. D. White, David Schenck, P. D. Price, W. 
H. Turner. 

Water works were put in during this board. 

1889 — Mayor, Jas. W. Forbis; commissioners, D. Schenck, J. F. Jor- 
dan, J. L. King, J. W. Scott, J. D. White, S. C. Dodson, P. D. Price, 
J. A. Odell, Geo. S. Sergeant, Neil Ellington, W. E. Bevill, J. J. 
Nelson. 



GREENSBOKO— 1808-1904 41 

1890 — Mayor, J. W. Forbis; commissioners, J. F. Jordan, J. L. King, 
W. M. Houston, J. W. Scott, S. C. Dodson, D. E. Thomas, P. D. Price, 
G. S. Sergeant, C. P. Vanstory, Neil Ellington, H. L. Scott, J. W. Fry. 

1891 — Mayor, J. W. Forbis; commissioners, J. L. King, Wm. Houston, 
J. W. Scott, S. C. Dodson, G. S. Sergeant, W. R. Murray, Neil Elling- 
ton, H. L. Scott. Wm. Love, J. D. Glenn, J. R. Mendenhall, R. A. Foard. 

1892 — Mayor, J. R. Mendenhall; commissioners, W. G. Balsley, J. 
R. Wharton, C. E. Holton, Neil Ellington, Wm. Love, G. T. Glascock. 

1893 — Mayor, J. A. Harrington; commissioners, C. N, Vanstory, H. 
W. Cobb, B. H. Merrimon, J. W. Griffith, P. D. Price, J. W. Landreth, 
Neil Ellington, J. E. Boyd, J. D. Glenn, R. W. Brooks, J. H. Phipps, 
J. S. Hunter. 

1894 — Mayor, Jas. E. Boyd; commissioners, B. H. Merrimon, W. G. 
Balsley, H. W. Cobb, J. M. Walker, J. W. Landreth, J. N. Wilson, Neil 
Ellington, J. P. Harkness, Wm. Love, R. W. Brooks, J. S. Hunter, J. 
H. Phipps. 

1895 — Mayor, J. J. Nelson; commissioners, B. H. Merrimon, J. H. 
Dillard, Jr., J. M. Walker, H. W. Cobb, P. D. Price, H. J. Elam, Neil 
Ellington, W. G. Balsley, R. G. Hiatt, R. W. Brooks, J. S. Hunter, J. 
H. Phipps. 

1896 — Mayor, J. J. Nelson; commissioners, B. H. Merrimon, J. H. 
Dillard, Jr., H. W. Cobb, J. M. Walker, P. D. Price, H. J. Elam, Neil 
Ellington, W. J. Blackburn, J. D. Glenn, R. G. Hiatt, J. S. Hunter, 
J. H. Phipps. 

1897 — Mayor, J. J. Nelson; commissioners, H. J. Elam, Neil Elling- 
ton, B. H. Merrimon, T. M. Pickard, W. L. Frazier, T. J. Shaw, W. T. 
Sergeants, G. H. McKinney, J. D. Glenn, R. G. Hiatt, J. H. Phipps, 
J. J. Thornton. 

1898 — Mayor, J. J. Nelson; aldermen, B. H. Merrimon, T. M. Pick- 
ard, W. L. Frazier, W. L. Bogart, H. J. Elam, W. T. Sergeant, Neil 
Ellington, G. H. McKinney, Ed. E. Bain, John Lewis, J. W. Merritt, 
W. D. Mendenhall. 

1899 — Mayor, Z. V. Taylor; aldermen, B. H. Merrimon, C. G. Wright, 
P. D. Price, M. L. Shields, W. T. Sergeant, H.. J. Elam, Neil Elling- 
ton, J. M. Walker, R. M. Phillips, M. Vuncanon, J. S. Hunter, J. W. 
Merritt. 

1900 — Mayor, Z. V. Taylor; aldermen, B. H. Merrimon, Thos. D. 
Sherwood, J. W. Scott, G. W. Denny, H. J. Elam, W. T. Sergeant, 
Neil Ellington, James Y. Joyner, Wm. Love, R. M. Phillips, J. S. 
Hunter, S. H. Boyd. 

1903 — W. H. Osborn, mayor; aldermen, B. H. Merrimon, S. H. Boyd, 
C. P. Vanstory, E. J. Stafford, O. C. Wysong, J. S. Hunter. 

Captain Neil Ellington has been city treasurer since 1887; R. M. 
Rees, tax collector since 1877; John S. Michaux, clerk since 1895. 



\ 



CHAPTER VI 



POLITICAL 



Members of Convention of 1776 — the first Convention after the 
Declaration of Independence was held on the twelfth of November, 
1776, at Halifax, N. C, to perfect a civil form of government. In 
this convention were the following delegates from Guilford county: 
David Caldwell, Joseph Hinds, Ealph Gorrell, Charles Bruce, Isham 
Browder. 

Members of Convention of 1835. — To perfect a better form of State 
government, a convention met in Ealeigh, June 4, 1835, and Guilford 
was represented by John M. Morehead and Jonathan Parker. 

Members of Convention of 1861. — From 1835 to 1861 the prosperity 
of the State was steady and increasing; but the other Southern States 
having withdrawn from the Federal union, the legislature then in ses- 
sion, on January 30, 1861, passed an act submitting to the people the 
question whether they would meet in convention to consider their 
federal relations, and the proposition was voted down. President 
Lincoln then issued a proclamation calling upon all the States for 
their quota of seventy-five thousand troops for the coercion of the 
seceding States. Governor Ellis issued a proclamation convening the 
legislature in extra session, May 1, 1861. This body promptly passed 
a bill calling a convention to meet in Ealeigh on the twentieth day 
of that month. The convention met on that day, and passed the 
ordinance of secession. The members from Guilford were Ealph Gor- 
rell, John A. Gilmer, Sr., and Eobert P. Dick — all elected as union 
men. 

North Carolina, while really opposed to a dissolution of the union, 
followed her sister States, and proved her loyalty to the Southern 
cause uy furnishing to the Southern army over one hundred and 
twenty thousand of her sons, exceeding a ratio of one man to every six 
of her entire population. 

Guilford, true to her record in the "days of seventy-six", put into 
the field a number of volunteer companies. [See appendix.] 

In 1865- '66 another convention was held under the reconstruction 
policy of President Andrew Johnson. This convention met October 
2, 1865. In this convention Guilford was represented by D. F. Cald- 
well, R. P. Dick, and Jonathan Harris. 



GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 43 

The constitution adopted by this convention was rejected by the 
people, and under authority vested in him by the Reconstruction acts 
of Congress, General E. R. S. Canby, military commander of the dis- 
trict, issued an order for an election to be held for delegates to a 
convention which should meet in Raleigh, January 14, 1868. In this 
convention Guilford was represented by Geo. W. Welker and A. W. 
Tourgee. 

On September 6, 1875, another State convention was held in Raleigh, 
and Guilford was represented by A. W. Tourgee and A. S. Holton. 

Members of Congress from Greensboro: — James T. Morehead, 1851- 
'53; John A. Gilmer, Sr., 1857- '61; Thomas Settle, Jr., 1894— (in 1892 
while a citizen of Rockingham county.) 

Members of Confederate Congress from Greensboro: — John M. More- 
head, 1861- '62; Robert P. McLean, 1862- '63; John A. Gilmer, Sr., 
1864- '65. 

Governors: — Elected by General Assembly, Alexander Martin, 
1782- '89; elected by the people, John M. Morehead, 1840; died 
August 27, 1866; Alfred M. Scales was elected from Rockingham 
county in 1887; died in Greensboro, February 9, 1892. 

Speakers of Senate from Guilford: — Alexander Martin, 1780, '81, 
'85, 1805; David F. Caldwell, 1830,- '31; James T. Morehead, 1872. 

Justices of Supreme Court from Greensboro: — Robert P. Dick, 
1868- '72; John H. Dillard, 1878- '81. (Judge Dillard served through 
the war of 1861- '65) ; Robert M. Douglas, 1897 and now in office; 
Thos. Settle in 1870, before becoming a citizen of Greensboro. 

Judges United States Courts — Western District of North Carolina: 
Robert P. Dick, 1872- '98; Jas. E.. Boyd, 1900, and now in office. 

Thos. Settle, while a citizen of Greensboro, was District Judge for 
the Northern District of Florida. He died December 1, 1888. 

Judges Superior Court from Greensboro: John M. Dick, elected 
1835; John A. Gilmer, Jr., elected 1897; Wm. P. Bynum, Jr., filled 
unexpired term of S. B. Adams; Thos. J. Shaw, elected 1899. 

The following held the office of Judge before becoming citizens of 
Greensboro: David Schenck, John Gray Bynum, Spencer B. Adams. 
Mr. Adams is now holding a Federal judgeship in Indian Territory. 

The following have been postmasters of Greensboro since 1841: Dr. 
I. J. M. Lindsay, 1841; Wilson S. Hill, 1845. (He was councillor of 
State under Governor Bragg); Wm. Gott, 1850; L. M. Scott, 1851- '53; 
B. G. Graham, 1853- '62; J. E. Thorn, 1862- '65; J. D. White, 1865- '85; 
Geo. H. Gregory, 1886; J. D. White, 1889-93; James W. Forbis, 1893-98; 
Tyre Glenn, 1898-1904. 

The city hall was built in 1890, at a cost of $30,000. 



44 



GREENSBOKO— 1808-1904 



Table of the Members of House and Senate 
So many were from Greensboro, the complete list is published. 



Year 



SENATE 



HOUSE 



1777 

1778 
1779 
1780 
1781 
1782 
1783 
1784 
1785 
1786 
1787 
1788 
1789 
1790 
1791 
1792 
1793 
1794 
1795 
1796 
1797 
1798 
1799 
1800 
1801 
1802 
1803 
1804 
1805 
1806 
1807 
1808 
1809 
1810 
1811 
1812 
1813 
1814 
1815 
1816 
1817 
1818 
1819 
1820 
1821 
1822 
1823 
1824 
1825 



Ralph Gorrell 

Ralph Gorrell 

Alexander Martin. 
Alexander Martin 
Alexander Martin. 
Alexander Martin. 

Charles Bruce 

James Galloway. . . 
Alexander Martin. 
\, illiam Gowdy. . . 
Alexander Martin. 
Alexander Martin. 
William Gowdy . . . 
Daniel Gillespie. . . 
Daniel Gillespie. . . 
Daniel Gillespie. . . 
Daniel Gillespie. . . 
Daniel Gillespie. . . 
Daniel Gillespie. . . 

Ralph Gorrell 

Hance McCain. . . . 
Hance McCain. . . . 
Hance Hamilton. . . 
Hance Hamilton. . , 
Samuel Lindsay . . . 

George Bruce 

Samuel Lindsay. . . 
Samuel Lindsay. . . 
Hance McCain. . . 
Hance McCain. . . . 
Jonathan Parker.. 
Jonathan Parker. , 
Jonathan Parker.. 
Samuel Lindsay. . . 
Jonathan Parker. . 
Jonathan Parker. . 
Jonathan Parker. 
Jonathan Parker. . 
Jonathan Parker. 

John Caldwell 

John Caldwell 

John Caldwell. . . . 

John M. Dick 

John W. Caldwell. 
Jonathan Parker. . 
Jonathan Parker. . 
Jonathan Parker. 
Jonathan Parker. . 
Jonathan Parker. 



John Collier, Robert Lindsay. 
James Hunter, Robert Lindsay. 
James Hunter, Daniel Gillespie. 
James Hunter, William Gowdy. 
William Gowdy, James Hunter. 
William Gowdy, James Hunter. 
James Galloway, John Leak. 
John Hamilton, John Leak. 
John Hamilton, Barzellai Gardner. 
John Hamilton, B. Gardner. 
B. Gardner, William Gowdy. 
John Hamilton, William Gowdy. 
John Hamilton, Daniel Gillespie. 
Hance Hamilton, Robert Hannah. 
Robert Hannah, B. Gardner. 
Robert Hannah, B. Gardner. 
R. Hannah, B. Gardner. 
B. Gardner, Robert Hannah. 
Hance Hamilton, Hance McCain. 
B. Gardner, Hance Hamilton. 
Hance Hamilton, Samuel Lindsay. 
Samuel Lindsay, George Bruce. 
Samuel Lindsay, George Bruce. 
Samuel Lindsay, .Jonathan Parker. 
George Bruce, Jonathan Parker. 
Zaza Brashier, Jonathan Parker. 
John Moore, Jonathan Parker. 
.Jonathan Parker, Zaza Brashier. 
Z. Brashier, Richard Mendenhall. 
Z. Brashier, Richard Mendenhall. 
Robert Hannah, John Howell. 
Robert Hannah, John Howell. 
Robert Hannah, John Howell. 
Robert Hannah, William Armfield. 
Robert Hannah, John Howell. 
John Howell, Robert Lindsay. 
Obed Macey, James Gibson. 
James Gibson, James McNairy. 
John Howell, James McNairy. 
.James McNairy, William Ryan. 
William Ryan, Robert Donnell. 
James McNairy, William Ryan. 
R. Donnell, William Dickey. 
.John Rankin, David Worth. 
John Gordon, William Adams. 
Samuel Hunter, David Worth. 
Samuel Hunter, David Worth. 
William Unthank, .James Neally. 
F. L. Simpson, William Unthank. 



GEEENSBOKO— 1808-1904 



45 



Year 



SENATE 



HOUSE 



1826 
1827 
1828 
1829 
1830 
1831 
1832 
1833 
1834 
1835 
1836 

1838 

1840 

1842 

1844 

1846 
1848 

1850 

1852 

1854 

1856 
1858 

1860 

1862 
1864 
1866 

1868 
* 

1870 

1872 
* 

1874 

1876 1 
1879 

* I 
1883 



Jonathan Parker.. 
Jonathan Parker.. 
Jonathan Parker. . 

John M. Dick 

John M. Dick. . . . 

John M. Dick 

Jonathan Parker. . 
Geo. C. Mendenhall 
Jonathan Parker. . 
Jas. T. Morehead.. 
Jas. T. Morehead. . 

Jas. T. Morehead. 

Jas. T. Morehead. 

Jas. T. Morehead . 

Jesse H. Lindsay. . 

John A. Gilmer. . . . 
John A. Gilmer. . . . 

John A. Gilmer. . . . 

John A. Gilmer. . . 

John A. Gilmer. . . . 

Ealph Gorrell 

Ealph Gorrell 

John M. Morehead. 

Peter Adams 

E. P. Dick 

Peter Adams 



E. Shoflfner..- 

J. W. Walker 

John A. Gilmer. . . . 

W. A. Smith 

James T. Morehead. 
Wm. J. Murray. . . . 
J. T. Morehead . . . . 
A. S. Holton 



Junius I. Scales. . 

D. L. Caldwell 

Jas. T. Morehead. 



F. L. Simpson, John M. Morehead. 

F. L. Simpson, John M. Morehead. 

F. L. Simpson, Geo. C. Mendenhall. 

Geo. C. Mendenhall, F. L. Simpson. 

Allen Peebles, Geo. C. Mendenhall. 

Amos Weaver, Allen Peebles. 

Allen Peebles, David Thomas. 

David Thomas, Allen Peebles. 

Ealph Gorrell, Jesse H. Lindsay. 

Jesse H. Lindsay, Ealph Gorrell. 

Jesse H. Lindsay, Peter Adams, F. L. 

Simpson. 
Jesse H. Lindsay, William Doak, David 

Thomas. 
George C. Mendenhall, William Doak, Jas. 

Brannock. 
Geo. C. Mendenhall, William Doak, Joel 

McLean. 
William Doak, Joel McLean, John A. 

Smith. 
Nathan Hunt, E. W. Ogburn, Peter Adams. 
David F. Caldwell, Calvin Johnson, Jas. 

W. Doak. 
David F. Caldwell, Calvin Henderson 

Wiley, Peter Adams. 

C. Johnston, David F. Caldwell, C. H. 

Wilev. 
David F." Caldwell, Ealph Gorrell, C. John- 
ston. 

D. F. Caldwell, L. M. Scott, E. W. Ogburn. 
John M. Morehead, D. F. Caldwell, A, 

Clapp. 

C. P. Mendenhall, C. E. Shober, J. L. 

Gorrell. 
M. S. Sherwood, E. W. Glenn, E. W. Smith. 

D. F. Caldwell, A. Clapp, A. S. Holton. 

J. T. Morehead, Jr., J. S. Houston, W. E. 

Smith. 
Stephen G. Horney, David Hodgin. 

Jonathan Harris, S. C. Eankin. 

Joseph Gilmer, William Wiley. 

Nereus Mendenhall, J. N. Staples. 



J. A. McLean, Cyrus J. Wheeler. 
J. L. King, J. W. Forbis. 



*Alamance and Guilford voted together. 



46 



GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 



Year 



SENATE 



HOUSE 



1884 


Jno. L. King 


Jno. A. Barringer, J. A. Turner. 


1887 


J. S. Murrow 


John A. Pritchett, B. H. Chilcutt. 


1889 


A. S. Holton 


J. R. Woods, 0. H. Starbuck. 


1890 


Jno. L. King 


Wm. Wiley, R. K. Dennv. 


1892 


Jno. L. King 


Martin H. Holt, J. Henry Gilmer. 


1894 


0. H. Starbuck 


Branch C. Chilcutt, Jas. M. Sutton. 


1896 


A. M. Scales 


J. T. Bunch, B. G. Chilcutt. 


1898 


Jno. N. Wiison 


J. C. Kennett, J. C. Bunch. 


1900 


Jas. D. Glenn 


T. E. Whittaker, W. Robertson. 


1902 1 


Jas. D. Glenn 


T. E. Whittaker, W. Robertson. 



The Greensboro bar will compare favorably with that of any town 
in the State, for the learning of her judiciary and the brilliancy and 
eloquence of her advocates. Among those who practiced law in 
Greensboro, but who have "passed over the river", were: John M. 
Morehead, John M. Dick, Geo. C. Mendenhall, Ralph Gorrell, James 
T. Morehead, J. R. McLean, W. L. Scott, Chas. E. Shober, Thos, C. 
Albright, R. F. Armfield, Robert P. Dick, Junius I. Scales, John H. 
Dillard, A. M. Scales, David F. Caldwell, John A. Gilmer, John A. 
Gilmer, Jr., David Schenck, Thos. Ruffin, and Thos. Settle. 

The following are the members of the bar now living in Greensboro, 
some of whom served in the Confederate army, and in the councils of 
the city, county, and State, with credit to themselves and honor to 
the positions they filled: Honorable Levi M. Scott, Colonel Jas. T. 
Morehead, Honorable John A. Barringer, Honorable A. M. Scales, 
Honorable R. R. King, Wilson S. Hill, Judge Robert M. Douglas, 
Honorable Z. V. Taylor, A. L. Brooks, Geo. S. Bradshaw, O. S. Newlin, 
General Robert Dick Douglas, Judge James E. Boyd, Edwin D. Steele, 
Judge John Gray Bynum, Wm. P. Ragan, Judge Thomas J. Shaw, 
Major Chas. M. Stedman, Honorable John N. Wilson, Honorable John 
N. Staples, Judge R. C. Strudwick, E. C. Justice, W. S. Thompson, 
A. B. Kimball, C. G. Wright, F. P. Hobgood, A. W. Cook, T. M. Hoyle, 
T. J. Murphy, M. L. Eure, C. W. Clapp, G. S. Ferguson, Michael 
Schenck, E. D. Kuykendall, J. S. Kuykendall, A. L. Palmer, W. H. 
Mitchell. 



CHAPTER VII 
GREENSBORO'S CHURCHES 



The First Presbyterian Church 

The First Presbyterian Church was organized October 3, 1824, 
with twelve members — eight white — six ladies and two gentle- 




men, and four negro slaves. In 1832 the first house of worship 
was erected of orick. In 1833 the Sabbath school was first 
organized. In 1846 the second church building of brick was 
erected. In 1892 the present building was completed. Eev. Wm. 
D. Paisley first served the church as stated supply, preaching twice 
a month. Rev. John A. Gretter was the first pastor and served the 
church from 1843 until his death in 1853. Rev. Martin McQueen filled 
the pulpit as supply till Rev. J. Jones Smythe was called in 1855, who 
served as pastor until 1859. Eev. J. Henry Smith, D. D., was pastor 
from April 20, 1859, till his death, November 22, 1897. From Decem- 
ber 1, 1893, Rev. Egbert W. Smith, D. D., was co-pastor till his 
father's death, and from that date has been the pastor. 



48 



GEEENSBOEO— 1808-1904 



, 'i^^^'' 



December 6, 1903, the Smith Memorial Building was formally opened, 
with appropriate services. Eev. G. B. Stickler, of Union Theological 
Seminary, Eichmond, Va., was the leading speaker. Dr. Henry Lewis 




< 

H 

04 

H 

ca 

04 



Smith, President of Davidson College, addressed the Sunday-school at 
night. Other speeches were made by Honorable A. M. Scales, Colonel 
Jas. T. Morehead, and Dr. Chas. D. Mclver. This building was erected 
at a cost of $23,000, and adjoins the First church; and Eev. A. I. Phil- 



GEEENSBOEO— 1808-1904 49 

lips, D. D., general superintendent of Sabbath school-work, in a letter 
expressing his regret at not being able to be present, says: "In all 
our church there is no Sunday-school building so comprehensive in 
conception, so perfectly adapted in details, so beautiful in construc- 
tion, so inspiring as an example of faith in action. Further I do not 
believe that there is in the United States so perfect a Sunday-school 
building. ' ' This is a fine tribute to Dr. E. W. Smith, who conceived the 
idea of the building and plan, and supervised its every detail in con- 
struction. 

This building is a memorial to Eev. J. Henry Smith, D. D., who 
served the church so faithfully and acceptably for thirty-eight years. 
The Ladies' Aid Society have placed in the church a tablet to his 
memory. The plate is a handsomely shaped and finished piece of 
extra dark Vermont marble, five feet by three feet four inches in size. 
On this is placed a highly polished tablet of imported Italian marble — 
three feet, six inches, by two feet, eight inches, in size — which bears 
the following inscription: 

"In Loving Eemembrarice 

of 

Our Pastor, 

Eev. J. Henry Smith, D. D. 

1859-1897. 



' ' Thirty-eight years, down history 's tide, 
In the life of this church, fondly, side by side, 
Pastor and people floated gently on, 
Loving and loved in days that are gone, 
The billows of time have borne him away 
From the star-lit dawn to the golden day." 



Westminster Presbyterian Church 

Westminster Presbyterian Church was organized in 1887, by a 
colony from the First Presbyterian church. Its first pastor was Eev. 
E. W. Smith, succeeded by Eevs. J. H. Lacey, S. O. Hall, C. E. Hodgin. 



West Market M. E. Church, South 

The corner-stone of the present church was laid October 18, 1893; 
but Guilford circuit was formed in 1783. Yet Greensboro does not 
appear in the regular appointments until 1834, when Eev. Samuel S. 
Bryant was preacher in charge. 



50 



GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 



In 1830, Rev. Peter Doub was in charge of Guilford circuit, steps 
were taken to build a church. A lot was secured on what is now 
South Elm street, about opposite the Odell Hardware store. August 
14, 1830, the corner-stone was laid by Greensboro Lodge of Masons, 
and the building was completed the next year. 

It was a plain two-story brick house — about thirty by fifty feet — 
perhaps not so large, with gallery all around, which was chiefly for 
the use of the colored people. 




WEST MARKET STREET M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH 



In 1850- '51, a new church was built on West Market street, upon 
land given by the trustees of Greensboro Female College (which had 
already much patronage, although in its infancy) in order to get the 
church near the school. This church building underwent many changes 
and enlargements, but the congregation continued to grow until a new 
church was absolutely necessary. 

Early in the spring of 1892 it was decided, at the second quarterly 
meeting, which met April 17, to build the present church, and the fol- 
lowing building committee was appointed: J. A. Odell, C. H. Ireland, 



aUEENSBORO— 1808-1904 



51 



C. H. Dorsett, O. F. Pearce, G. W. Whitsett, B. H. Merrimon, S. L. 
Alderman, T. M. Pickard, Samuel Brown, H. W. Cobb, H. M. Alford, 
G. W. Alley, W. G. Balsley, H. L. Scott, W. H. Hill, J. M. Winstead, 
C. M. Hackett. 




CENTENARY M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH 

Ground was broken June 26, and the first brick laid July 5. Rev. S. 
H. Hilliard was the pastor in 1890 and 1894. Its pulpit has been filled 
by the most distinguished divines in the denomination. Since 1837 



52 GREENSBOEO— 1808-1904 

the following have been assigned to this charge; and are named in the 
order of service: James Purvis, Thos. S. Campbell, Wm. Gloss, Addi- 
son Lee, Ira T. Wyche, Benjamin M. Williams, S. S. Bryant, Joel W. 
Tucker, Peter Doub, Samuel M. Frost, A. S. Andrews, Jas. P. Simpson, 
James Jamison, S. D. Bumpass, N. H. D. Wilson, W. H. Bobbitt, Numa 
F. Reid, L. S. Burkhead, L. L. Hendren, H. T. Hudson, Wm. Bar- 
ringer, A. W. Mangum, Jesse A. Cunningham, S. D. Adams, D. R. 
Bruton, J. E. Mann, L. W. Crawford, S. H. Hilliard, J. H. Weaver, J. 
C. Rowe, S. B. Turrentine. 



Centenary M. E. Church, South 

Centenary M. E. Church, South is on Arlington street. In 1884, 
during the pastorate of Rev. L. W. Crawford at West Market, he saw 
the need of a church in South Greensboro, and negotiated for the site 
of Centenary church; but no action was taken save trimming the trees 
and clearing off the ground, until 1887, when he was joined by Rev. 
Jesse A. Cunningham and Wm. Love — each paying an equal share of 
the purchase money. About forty members of West Market, who lived 
south of the railroad, took transfers and at once organized and went 
to work building a church. The three purchasers made a deed of gift — 
naming the church Centenary. In 1902 the church membership had 
outgrown the building and a lot was purchased on the corner of 
Arlington and Asheboro streets, and a modern, up-to-date, and com- 
modious church will soon be built. The first regular pastor was G. F. 
Smith, in 1887, and he has been followed by E. L. Stamey, Solomon 
Pool, W. M. Bagby, J. E. Gay, T. E. Wagg, Ira Erwin. 



Proximity M. E. Church, South 

Proximity M. E. Church, South, was established in 1898, through 
the efforts of Revs. L. W. Crawford and G. J. Rowe, and built upon a 
site donated by Mr. Caesar Cone and his wife. The following have 
filled the pulpit since its organization: G. J. Rowe, V. L. Marsh, J. A. 
Bowles. 



Spring Garden M. E. Church, South 

Spring Garden Chapel M. E. Church South, was built in 1899, as a 
part of the charge of West Market church. The site is a donation 



GEEENSBOEO— 1808-1904 53 

from Rev. L. W. and Mrs. Crawford, who also aided liberally in the 
construction of the building. Rev. L. W. Crawford has continuously 
filled the pulpit. It was designated as a charge by admission into the 
annual conference iu 1902. An enlarged church was built the same 
year. 



The First Baptist Church 

The First Baptist Church was organized in Greensboro in 1850 
by Elder Elias Dodson, a missionary. In 1851 he purchased the small 
church owned by the Methodists. It stood on South Elm street in front 
of the Odell & Company 's store. In 1872 Elder Dodson sold the church 
to Beulah Association. For several years there was no regular pastor. 
Orin Churchill filled the pulpit most of the time. The first pastor was 
Elder Amos Weaver, who was succeeded by Elder Jackson in 1857. In 
1859 Rev. John Mitchell came to Greensboro and on March 13, 1858 
organized Greensboro Baptist church. From 1865 to 1867 Rev. Patrick 
Fountain acted as supply; from 1867 to 1870 Rev. F. H. Jones and Dr. 
Harrell supplied. In 1871 Rev. J. B. Richardson was chiefly instru- 
mental in raising funds for a new church. He served as paster during 
1873- '7-4. Revs. S. F. Conrad, W. R. Gwaltney, Elders Trezevant Har- 
rison, and E. F. Baldwin filled the pulpit, until 1884, when Rev. J. M. 
Bachelor served as supply. In July, 1885, the church was burned, while 
Mr. Gwaltney was pastor. In 1887 the site of the present church 
was purchased and a church built, known as Washingnon street. 
In 1890 Rev. W. B. Wingate was its pastor. And then the following: 
Revs. C. A. G. Thomas, Livingston Johnston, W. Carey Newton. In 
1902 the name was changed to The First Baptist church. In 1903 
Dr. Henry W. Battle became its pastor. 



Walnut Street Baptist Chitrch 

Walnut Street Baptist Church was built at Proximity cotton mills, 
in 1902. Pastor, J. H. Rich. 



St. Barnabas' (Episcopal) 

On Wednesday afternoon, May 31, 1871, the Bishop of the Diocese, 
the Rt. Rev. Thomas Atkinson, D. D., LL. D., laid the corner-stone of 
St. Barnabas' Church. 

Previous to this a small congregation had been organized under the 
care of the Rev. J. E. Joyner, and worshipped in the county court- 
house. 



54 



GREENSBOEO— 1808-1904 



Bishop Atkinson in his annual address to the Convention, 1872, 
writes as foHows: 

"May 26, at Greensboro, I consecrated the church of St. Barnabas 
and administered the Lord's Supper, the Rev. Mr. Huske preaching 
the sermon and Messrs. Oertel and Joyner taking part in the services. ' ' 




FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 



The church was built after the designs of the Rev. Mr. Oertel, and 
its erection was due largely to the consecrated efforts of Mary Cain, 
wife of the late Judge Thos. Ruffin, and to the late Dr. Jas. F. Foulkes. 

Mr. Joyner was followed in the rectorship by the venerable and 
saintly Dr. Wheat. 

The succeeding rectors were the Rev. Wm. Preston Bynum, the Rev. 
Robert Dean Sutton, the Rev. Alfred Houghton Stubbs, the Rev. 



GEEENSBOEO— 1808-1904 55 

Edwin H. Green, the Rev. Jacob Jabez Lanier, the Rev. Horace Weeks 
Jones, April, 1896, who was succeeded by Rev. H. Baldwin Dean, D. 
D., the present rector. 

St. Barnabas' church removed from the original location, corner 
Greene and Gaston streets, to the new location, corner Price and North 
Elm streets, May — July, 1900. 

St. Barnabas' Rectory, 411 North Elm street, was built in 1897, and 
occupied in August of that year. 



St. Cuthbert's Chapel 

St. Cuthbert 's Chapel was built in 1896, and is under the same rec- 
tory. 



St. Andrew's (Episcopal) 

The mission was started in South Greensboro about 1891, and was 
first under the charge of the Rev. Finner S. Stickney. The church 
was built in the Spring of 1893, and in June of that year the mission 
became an independent parish, with Rev. P. S. Stickney as rector. 
He resigned to go to Charlotte in September, 1893, and Rev. J. D. 
Miller was in charge of the parish from October, 1893, until September 
30, 1900. The church is on the corner of Arlington and Lee streets. 



St. Mary's Memorial Chapel 

St. Mary's Memorial Chapel is a part of St. Andrew's parish. It 
was built in 1898 by Judge "W. P. Bynum, of Charlotte, N. C, and 
donated to the parish for the use of the Episcopalians in attendance 
at the State Normal College. Both church and chapel were consecrated 
in May, 1900, by Bishop Cheshire. 



Grace M. P. Church 

It was decided at the Conference held in Henderson that a church 
was needed in Greensboro, and Rev. J. R. Ball was appointed a mis- 
sionary to undertake the work. The result was a neat and attractive 
building, begun in the spring of 1891, and completed in 1892. 

The first pastor was Rev. T'. L. Ohrum, of Maryland. The formal 
opening was held in September, 1892; by Rev. S. J. Ogburn, soon after 
which Rev. Mr. Ohrum died. In June of 1893 Rev. J. S. Williams 
became the pastor and filled the pulpit for three and a half years. 



56 



GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 




GRACE M. P. CHURCH 

During 1897 Eev. J. F. MeCuUoch, editor of "Our Ciiureli Eecord". 
served as pastor. At tlie beginning of 1898, Eev. T. M. Johnson took 
the pastorate, and is still in the work to the delight of his people and 
the great good of the church. 

The church is on East Lee street, near Arlington. 



GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 57 



St. Agnes' Catholic Church 



St. Agnes' Catholic Church was first built on Forbis street in 1876, 
but being too small, was sold to the city and is now Lindsay street 
high school. For a number of years this church had no resident pas- 
tor, but was supplied by a priest from another place. In 1890 Rev. 
Chas. Mohr, 0. S. B., became resident pastor, he was succeeded by Rev. 
Francis Meyer, O. S. B., who in turn was succeeded by Rev. Joseph 
Muller, O. S. B. 

The new church (St. Benedict's), corner of North Elm and Schenck 
streets, was built in 1900, when the former church was sold to the city. 

Rev. Anthony Meyer, O. S. B., was its first pastor, and he was 
succeeded in 1902 by Rev. Vincent Taylor, O. S. B., the present pastor. 



Friends' Church 



Friends' Church was built in 1901, on East Lee street, near South 
Elm. The first pastor was Rev. Jas. R. Jones. He was succeeded by 
Revs. Joseph Potts, Joseph Peele, J. Edgar Williams. 



Christian Church 



Christian Church was built in 1903 on the corner of Walker avenue 
and Eugene streets. Pastor, L. L. Johnson. 



First Reformed Church 

First Reformed Church was built in 1902 on the corner of West Lee 
and Spring streets. Pastor, Shuford Peeler. 



Nowhere in the South is the colored race more noted for its thrift, 
intelligence and Christianity. 

The following are the names of the different churches of the colored 
people in Greensboro: St. Matthew's M. E. Church, St. Joseph's A. M. 
E. Church, Trinity A. M. E. Zion, St. James' Presbyterian, Congre- 
gational, Providence Baptist, Shiloh Baptist, and Mt. Sinai Baptist- 
Some of the church buildigs are handsome structures. 



CHAPTER VIII 
BANKS, HOTELS, AND THE PRESS 



Greensboro National Bank 

The Greensboro National, with its predecessors, is the oldest bank 
in Greensboro, tracing its succession through almost half a century, to 
the old Bank of Cape Fear. Its immediate predecessor, the National 
Bank of Greensboro, was organized, as svich, in January, 1876, succeed- 
ing the Bank of Greensboro, which was the successor in Greensboro of 
the old Bank of Cape Fear. Its first Board of Directors was Jesse 
H. Lindsay, Julius A. Gray, W. J. Armfield, Lyndon Swaim, Jed H. 
Lindsay, W. S. Hill, and J. M. Odell, and, having successfully lived 
out the score of years allotted by law to National Banks, was suc- 
ceeded by the Greensboro National, the last in the line of succession. 

No single banking institution in Greensboro has played so conspic- 
uous a part in its industrial development. Jesse H. Lindsay, its first 
President, as a National Bank, by his wealth, his elevated public 
spirit, his breadth and liberality of view, gave to the development of 
Greensboro an impetus that is still felt; while its second President, 
Julius A. Gray, built the Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Kailroad, 
giving a short and quick route to tide water, and making Greensboro 
in fact the Gate City of the State. Its last President, Neil Ellington, 
was connected with the old Bank of Greensboro as bookkeeper, then 
cashier of the National Bank of Greensboro, until, in 1891, he became 
its President; then President of the re-organized Greensboro National 
Bank in 1896, and is at its head today. He has been a leading spirit 
in pi'omoting Greensboro 's phenomenal growth within the last twenty 
years, and has been prominently identified with many of the larger 
enterprises of which Greensboro boasts today. Since his connection 
with the Greensboro National and its predecessors, he has seen the 
community transformed into a thriving and prosperous city of twenty 
thousand souls, from a straggling railway village. 

In popular confidence, the Greensboro National is as strong as 
Gibraltar, with ample resources to meet the increasing needs of its 
growing community; and its financial strength years ago placed it in 
the front rank of the larger banking institutions of the State. 

Its officers are: Neil Ellington, president; W. S. Hill, vice-president; 
A. H. Alderman, cashier; Frank C. Boyles, teller. The directors are: 
W. E. Bevill, W. J. Armfield, C. M. Vanstory, A. G. Kirkman, W. S. 
Hill, L. McCulloch, J. M. Odell, E. M. Eees, W. H. Eagan, E. E. King, 
Neil Ellington. 



GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 



59 



Greensboro Loan and Trust Company 

No institution within its borders shows the rapid and healthy- 
growth of Greensboro to a greater extent than does the Greensboro 
Loan and Trust Company. 




■.^^-^aim^^! ^^.M^i&sm.. 



GREENSBORO LOAN AND TRUST COMPANY BUILDING 

Five years ago it existed only on paper; today its home is one of 
the most imposing buildings in the city, and its total assets amount 



60 GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 

to more than eight hundred thousand dollars. After only a little more 
than four and a half years of life it ranks both in assets and individual 
deposits fifth among all the state banking institutions in North 
Carolina. 

About the beginning of the year 1899, Captain J. W. Fry, formerly 
General Manager of the Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad, and 
several gentlemen associated with him, foreseeing the growth of the 
city, began the organization of a trust company which would combine 
with the business of a commercial bank the fiduciary duties and 
powers of the great companies of the larger cities. They accordingly 
obtained from the legislature of 1899 a special charter, associated 
with themselves many of the leading business men of Greensboro and 
the surrounding towns, and on October 2, 1899, opened the doors of the 
Greensboro Loan and Trust Company, with J. W. Fry as president, 
J. S. Cox as vice-president, and W. E. Allen as secretary and treas- 
urer, together with a board of representative directors. 

From the first its business was eminently successful and on July 
2-1, 1901, it moved into its permanent home, a handsome three-story 
brick and stone building on South Elm street, which had been designed 
and built especially for its needs, containing a large fire and burglar- 
proof vault and safe deposit boxes, a burglar-proof screw-door, safe 
and convenient and roomy banking room, and offices finished in hard- 
wood. 

On April 1, 1902, it absorbed the business of the People's Savings 
Bank, which was the pioneer savings bank of the city and had been 
in successful operation since 1887, making J. Ad. Hodgin, the treasurer 
of the Savings Bank, the manager of its Savings Department, and 
adding several of the Savings Bank 's most prominent officers to its 
Board of Directors. 

The original officers are still with the company and manage its 
affairs to the entire satisfaction of its stockholders and patrons. Its 
business is at present divided into four departments; the Banking 
Department which does a general commercial banking business; the 
Savings Department, which receives and pays four per cent, interest 
upon savings accounts; the Insurance Department, which writes fire 
and other forms of insurance policies and official, judicial, and fidelity 
bonds for standard companies; and the Trust Department, which acts 
as receiver, trustee^ assignee, executor, administrator, guardian, and 
fiscal agent for corporations, firms, individuals, and estates. 

D. C. Waddell has charge of the insurance department. 

In the words of one of its officers, "it aims to combine liberality 
with conservatism, and both with fidelity to duty and attention to 
business ' '. 

City National Bank 

The City National Bank — (formerly the Piedmont Bank, which was 
organized about 1889) was re-organized under the National Banking 
act of 1899. The first president was General A. M. Scales, who died in 



GEEENSBOEO— 1808-1904 61 

1892. He was succeeclecl by J. M. "Winston, who died in 1894. J. M. 
Walker was then elected president and conducted the affairs of the 
bank until January 1, 1904, when continued ill-health forced him to 
resign. The present officers are W. S. Thompson, president; J. Van 
Lindley, vice-president; Lee H. Battle, cashier. The directors are J. 
C. Bishop, W. C. Bain, C. H. Dorsett, J. A. Davidson, Wm. Cummings, 
E. J. Stafford, J. A. Hoskins, J. Allen Holt, W. S. Thompson, and J. 
Van Lindley. Capital stock $100,000, with surplus and undivided 
profits aggregating $20,000.00. Their handsome six-story building 
opposite the Guilford, will be ready for occupancy by November 1, 
1904. 



Southern Loan and Trust Company 

The Southern Loan and Trust Company was organized in 1890. 
It was re-organized in 1890, and began business with a capital of 
$25,000.00. From 1890 to 1893 the business conducted was confined 
to the collection of rents and the buying and selling of real estate and 
the selling of real estate on commission. In 1895, the officers of the 
Southern Loan and Trust Company organized and assumed the 
management of the Southern Stock-Mutual Insurance Company, 
Greensboro's first fire insurance company, and from time to time dur- 
ing the next eight years in response to the demands of the business 
have organized and managed with conspicuous success four other 
fire insurance companies, namely the Underwriters of Greensboro, the 
Insurance Department of the Southern Loan and Trust Company, the 
Home Insurance Company of Greensboro, and The Southern Under- 
writers, which constitute the successful group of the Greensboro Fire 
Insurance Companies. 

In 1897 the business of the company was extended by adding the 
Loan and Trust department. 

The Banking Department began business in January, 1900, with 
deposits of $40,000.00. 

On July 1, 1903, the capital stock was increased to $200,000.00 and 
the Life Department of the Southern Loan and Trust Company was 
organized and began business. 

In the Spring of 1903, the business men of South Greensboro united 
in a request to the Southern Loan and Trust Company to establish 
a branch bank in that section of the city. This request was met by 
the erection of a suitable branch banking house in South Greensboro, 
and the Bank of South Greensboro, branch of the Southern Loan and 
Trust Company, opened for business October 12, 1903. 

The following are the officers of the several departments: E. P. 
Wharton, president and manager loan and trust department; A. W. 
McAlister, vice-president, and manager insurance department; R. G. 
Vaughn, treasurer, and manager banking department; David White, 



62 



GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 



secretary and manager real estate department. Directors: A. M. 
Scales, E. P. Wharton, J. M. Hendrix, R. G. Vaughn, A. W. McAlister, 
Z. V, Taylor, E. E. Bain, H. T. Ham, and David White. 

In 1904 the banking and loan and trust business was separated 
from that of the insurance department. 





^ IP 
, . ,, " 'Mill 

« ilHJI'llllB 



♦>^ 




SOUTHERN LOAN AND TRUST COMPANY BUILDING 



Greensboro 's five banks are all officered by liberal-minded, judicious, 
discreet business men — all identified with the city's interests — and 
amply able to furnish all the banking facilities needed by the various 
business enterprises centered in and around the city. 



GREENSBOEO— 1808-1904 



63 



GREENSBORO'S HOTELS 

The hotels of Greensboro add much to the attractive and business- 
bringing features of the city, and would reflect credit upon a much 
larger place. They are commodious, modern, and well equipped. We 
mention below the more prominent of them. 




HOTEL GUILFORD 



HOTEL GUILFORD 



The Guilford, the most modern and best-equipped hotel in North 

Carolina. 

COBB & FRY, Proprietors. 




LOBBY— HOTEL GUILFORD 



64 



GEEENSBOKO— 1808-1904 



Hotel Benbow 

(/harles D. Benbow, proprietor, on South Elm street, was opened to 
guests in May 1902 — when completed — and not only is the building 
new, but everything is new and strictly up-to-date. It is conceded by 
the traveling public that nowhere south of New York can be found a 
better fitted-up or arranged hotel, or one where the comfort of the 
guests is more carefully considered. The main building is of five 
floors, covering an area of sixty-six by one hundred and fifty feet, 
with an annex attached three-stories high, fronting two hundred and 
three feet on Elm street, with a depth of eighty feet. There are 







33 






P P *< ^ a a a a a M « 9 I • 1 1 • j I it i I 



y^f^^y^'^'^^ 'ii^ '^ f * ^ ' '*^ 



HOTEL BENBOW 

one hundred and thirty-two sleeping rooms, affording convenience 
for over twelve hundred guests. The house was built under the per- 
sonal supervision of Mr. Chas. D. Benbow, who was resident man- 
ager at Pinehurst, this State, for James W. Tufts, of Boston for several 
years; during which period Mr. Benbow supervised the construction of 
five of Mr. Tufts' hotels. No man better understands the details of 
successfully conducting a hotel than Mr. Benbow. The hotel is finished 
throughout in handsome hardwoods and the floors are of polished oak. 
The rooms are all spacious, and airy, with no "inside" rooms. Every 
apartment is fitted with a telephone, and there are eighty-four private 
baths and toilets in the hotel. Every room is built en suite. The bed- 
steads are iron; the mattresses sanitary; which with scientific plumb- 



GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 



65 



ing, heating, and ventilation, all combine to make the house healthful 
and comfortable in both Winter and Summer. There is a roof promen- 
ade with an area of thirteen thousand square feet. There are drawing 
rooms, parlors, reading and writing rooms, private reading rooms, etc.; 
also a spacious office, provided with all modern conveniences. The 
dining room seats two hundred, and no better fare is obtained at any 
hotel. Mr. Benbow's stay at Pinehurst revealed the fact that many of 
the visitors would be glad of a good house at which a stop could be 
made between the North and Florida, and he had this in view when 
he constructed Ihe Benbow. Mr. Benbow's father, the late Dr. D. W. 




THE BENBOW ARCADE 

C. Benbow, built the first up-to-date hotel in this city, which occupied 
the site of Hotel Guilford, and conducted it for twenty-one years, 
eleven years of which time Mr. C. D. Benbow was manager. 



The Benbow Arcade 

The Arcade, a five-story building, just opposite the Benbow, and used 
as part of the same, is nearing completion, and has over one hundred 
rooms for guests, besides the stores on first floor. Mr. C. D. Benbow 
is the owner. 



66 GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 

Hotel Clegg 

The location of the Hotel Clegg is one of the most desirable in the 
city, the house being immediately opposite the railroad depot, which, 
practically, is near the center of the business section. The Hotel Clegg 
was established in 1891, and its business has expanded with the devel- 
opment and growth of the city. The hotel is run both upon the 
American and European plan, the rates being $2.00 and $2.50 per day, 
and $1.00 up per day respectively. Connected with the hotel is a cafe 
which is never closed, also a lunch counter, which are reached from 
the railroad station simply by crossing the street. The Hotel Clegg now 
contains seventy-two sleeping rooms, twenty-six of them having been 
recently added. All modern conveniences are here available for the 
comfort of guests, and the bill of fare set before them leaves absolutely 
nothing to be desired. Being close at hand to the railroad, there is no 
baggage express to pay and trains can be caught at the shortest 
notice. Mr. W. F. Clegg is both the proprietor of the hotel and owns 
the property. He is thoroughly experienced in the hotel business, with 
which he has been connected for seventeen years. He is also engaged 
in other enterprises here. As the W. F, Clegg Commission and 
Brokerage Company he transacts a wholesale fruit and produce busi- 
ness, handling bananas, oranges, lemons, and all kinas of fruits and 
produce, doing both a city and country trade. He also manufactures 
cigars and deals in tobaccos, under the style of W. F. Clegg. 



Hotel Huffine 



Hotel Huflfine — Gresham & Company, proprietors, adjoins the South- 
ern Railway depot. Greensboro has better hotel accommodations than 
any other city of its size anywhere. Among its attractive and well- 
conducted hotels must be mentioned the Hotel Huflfine, which has since 
October 1, 1901, been under the proprietorship of Messrs Gresham & 
Company of which firm Mr. Sanders was a member. The hotel is very 
conveniently located, adjoining the depot, travelers being enabled to 
step from cars immediately into the hotel without even crossing the 
street. The Hufl&ne has forty-five sleeping rooms and can accommodate 
one hundred guests or more. Sample rooms are provided for the use of 
commercial travelers, with all conveniences. The rates are $2 per day 
on the American plan, or fi-om 50c. upwards on the European plan. 
Attached to the hotel is a first-class restaurant where meals can be 
obtained at any hour of the day or night, either at fixed prices or a la 
carte. There is also a buffet which is practically in the station, where 
light lunches are obtainable on the shortest notice. This hotel has been 
run by Mr. Gresham for four years, and continues to increase its 
patronage. 



GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 



67 



THE PRESS OF GREENSBORO 

The following is condensed from a scrap book of the late Lyndon 
Swaim, who was for more than fifteen years editor of the Greensboro 
Patriot; and to his daughters the writer is indebted for this extract: 

The Greensboro Patriot was started in 1824 or 1825, by Dr. L. G. 
Watson and a Mr. Potter — who only continued it a short while. It 
passed into the hands of T. Early Strange, who sold the office to Wm. 
Swaim in 1827. Mr. Swaim died in 1835, and the paper was continued 
by A. E. Hanner, who took as a partner, C. IS. B. Evans, who after- 
wards was associated with John D. Clancey. In 1839, Lyndon Swaim 




HOTEL CLEGG 

and M. S. Sherwood became owners, and continued the Patriot until 
1854, when Mr. Swaim retired. In 1857, James A. Long became a part- 
ner of Mr. Sherwood. In 1861, Mr. Long withdrew. In 1863, A. W. 
Ingold and John C. Clendenin bought the plant. In 1867, D. F. Cald- 
well took control of the paper. In 1868, Jas. W. Albright and his 
brother, Robert H. Albright, became the owners. In 1870, Jas. W. 
Albright sold his interest to his brother. From that date to the 
present it has changed hands frequently, as follows: P. F. Dufi^y 
with Jas. W. Albright, then with R. H. Albright, and afterwards with 
Eugene Morehead. Mr. Duflfy was succeeded by R. T. Fulghum; after 
whom came John B. Hussey, Z. F. Whitehead, and Mr. Myrover. In 

1890, the Patriot became the property of Bethel, Scales & Cobb. In 

1891, Jesse R. Wharton purchased the plant. In 1893, W. M. Barber 
& Company became proprietors, and under their management the 



68 GREENSBOEO— 1808-1904 

Patriot has fully maintained its honorable record of the past, and 
broadened its field of usefulness. It is still the property of this com- 
pany, with W. M. Barber as editor. 



On November 17, 1890, J. M. Reece and H. J. Elam began the pub- 
lication of the Daily Record. It was originally a five-column paper. 
On March 30, 1891, it was increased to six columns, and its size has 
been increased at various times to its present size — six columns, eight 
pages. It is a lively, up-to-date publication, and is generously sup- 
ported by the public. Mr. Elam sold his interest to Mr. Reece, who 
is making a paper worthy of the large jiatronage it now receives. 



The Telegram was established Jv^ly, 1897, as an evening paper, by 
a joint stock company. For some time R. M. Phillips was editor and 
business manager. It is now published as a morning paper, ably 
edited by R. W. Haywood. 



Rev. J. L. Michaux started the Methodist Protestant, the organ 
of that church in North Carolina, and for many years ran it ably and 
successfully. Our Church Record, now published by Rev. J. F. MeCul- 
loch, is a continuation of this publication. 



The North Carolina Christian Advocate, a consolidation of the 
State church papers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was 
moved to Greensboro in 1893. It was first edited by Rev. F. L. Reid, 
and W. L. Grissom, later by Revs. P. L. Groome and H. M. Blair, and 
then by Rev. L. W. Crawford and T. N. Ivey. It is the official organ 
of the Western North Carolina Conference, and is now edited by 
Rev. H. M. Blair. 



In 1903, Colonel Al Fairbrother, removed his semi-monthly, Every- 
thing, from Danville, Virginia, to Greensboro. It is an excellent 
journal, and adds much to the city's reputation as the literary center 
of the State. The editor of this magazine has a national as well as 
a State reputation. 



Papers that no longer live, but had a hold upon the public in their 
day: 

In 1854, James W. Albright, then a lad learning his trade in the 
Patriot office, published for six months a weekly called The Squib. 



Mr. C. C. Cole was born in Stokes county, N. C, February 12, 1834; 
came to Greensboro in 1848, and made his home with his uncle. Dr. J. L. 



GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 69 

Cole. He graduated from Trinity College with first distinction, July, 
1854, at the age of twenty. Scarce a month had elapsed after gradua- 
tion before he was editing a temperance newspaper in Greensboro, 
which he called "The Guardian". One year later he associated with 
him in the newspaper business the writer, and the paper assumed the 
name of ' ' The Times ' ', and was run as a literary paper until 1861. 
Such writers as Wm. Gilmore Simms, John Eston Cook, and Mrs. 
Sigourney were regular contributors. In May, 1861, he raised a com- 
pany for the war and was elected captain. He was soon promoted to 
major of the Twenty-second Regiment, and upon the death of Colonel 
Gray in 1863, was made colonel, and fought in every battle in which 
his regiment was engaged, until he gave up his life. May 3, 1863, upon 
the bloody field of Chancellorsville, the day after General "Stone- 
wall" Jackson received his mortal wound. He was a Christian gen- 
tleman in the truest sense of the word — brave and courageous to a 
fault — yet as gentle and loving as a woman. ' ' None knew him but 
to love him, or named him but to praise." 



CHAPTER IX 
A FEW ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST 



Whig Campaign of 1840 

The first of any special interest was the memorable Whig campaign 
of 1840 — "the days of Harrison, Tyler, and Tippecanoe!" The writer 
well remembers the log-cabin on wheels, which was built in Virginia, 
and traveled as far as Salisbury before the campaign ended. Quite 
a number of distinguished men attended the march of the old log 
cabin. It was covered with coon-skins and had a barrel of cider on 
behind where a place was built like on a stage-coach for carrying 
trunks. Inside was a band — several kettle-drums and fifes, and a huge 
bass-drum. Following the log-cabin was a canoe, also on wheels, and 
several persons, dressed and painted as Indians. Honorable John M. 
Morehead was the whig candidate for governor, and the old whig 
county of Guilford was wild over the prospect of his election. He was 
elected. 



Breaking Ground for North Carolina Railroad 

A big celebration, with a barbecue, at the ceremony of breaking 
ground on the North Carolina railroad, took place July 11, 1851. The 
first shovel of dirt was thrown by Honorable Calvin Graves, of Caswell 
county, whose vote as speaker of the House of Eepresentatives, gave 
Greensboro this great railroad. The dirt was taken from the middle 
of South Elm street, about in front of the present fine depot build- 
ing. The barbecue was in a fine grove where the depot now stands 
and embraced all the ground between the railroad tract and Buchanan 
street. Thousands of people were present. 



The Railroad Completed 

From the Greensboro Times, published by Ogburn, Cole, & Albright, 
dated January 31, 1856, we copy: 

"Yes! the North Carolina railroad is completed, and trains are run- 
ning from end to end, uniting east to west with an iron band that 



GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 



71 



cannot be broken. On the twenty-ninth of January, 1856, the last 
rail was laid, and the two approaching squads shook hands with joy 
and greeting — the road was completed. We are glad that our repre- 
sentative, Honorable D. F. Caldwell, who labored so faithfully to 
secure the charter, and then the stock, had the pleasure of driving the 
last spike, and delivering an address of congratulation to the working 
squads, and those who had assembled to witness the closing labor. 
The companies met some five miles west of Greensboro, and after 
considerable congratulations and cheering the two trains ran down 




SOUTHERN RAILWAY PASSENGER DEPOT 



to town with all hands on board — and such holloeiug, singing, aud 
cheering by the negroes — commingled with the bellowing of the two 
engines was, perhaps, never heard before by our citizens. ' ' 

This was one of the happiest days in the life of ' ' Uncle Frank ' ' 
Caldwell — for no man worked more zealously tlian he for this great 
railroad. 

We copy from the Times of the same date: 

"The company was chartered .January 27, 1849, with a capital of 
$3,000,000— the State agreeing to subscribe $2,000,000 when $1,000,000 
of the capital stock should be subscribed for and one-half the amount 
paid into the hands of the treasurer of the company. The first condi- 
tion, requiring a million dollars' subscription to the capital stock. 



72 GEEENSBOEO— 1808-1904 

was complied with in 1850, and on the eleventh day of July of that; 
yeai* the company was duly organized. * * * Colonel Walter 
Gwynn, chief engineer says: 'It is worthy of note that the whole 
amount was subscribed by individuals, without aid of corporations — 
the largest subscription thus made to any public improvement in the 
southern country. * * * In July, 1851, the gradation and masonry 
was let, and on the eleventh, the ceremony of 'breaking ground' 
was performed in Greensboro, by Honorable Calvin Graves, whose 
casting vote, as speaker of the Senate, secured the charter of the 
company. * * * The earth which was removed was deposited 
in a copper box to be sealed up with the charter of the company; 
the names of the original subscribers to the stock, the newspapers 
and coins of the day, with a scroll containing an address to be read 
at the one hundredth anniversary of the celebration of 'breaking 
ground.' " 

From the above it will be seen that the road was completed Just 
seven years and two days from the granting of the charter. Colonel 
Gwynn says ' ' the subscription of one million dollars by individuals, 
chiefly farmers, who worked out a half million upon their own 
resources, is an achievement unprecedented in the annals of the pub- 
lic works of this or any other country * * * and vindicates the 
energy, enterprise, and industry of the citizens of the State". 

We have often heard ' ' Uncle Frank ' ' Caldwell say that many of the 
small stockholders paid their subscriptions by grading with hand- 
carts and wheelbarrows. 



Political Mass Meeting at Guilford Battleground 

From the Times of August 7, 1856: "The greatest political rally 
and the ablest speaking we ever heard was last Friday and Saturday 
on the old Guilford Battleground. * * * At sunrise on Friday 
the deep-mouthed cannon roared forth over these ever memorable hills 
and dales in a national salute, well worthy of the cause and the 
occasion. * * * Qn that very spot, was fought one of the hardest 
conflicts of the battle, which has not inaptly been called the turning 
point in the Eevolution. * * * Governor John M. Morehead acted 
as president, and addressed the meeting, as did Governor Wm. A. 
Graham, and Honorable N. H. Boyden, who spoke as old-line whigs, 
but in full sympathy with the American ticket, with Filmore and Don- 
nelson as candidates for president and vice-president. Messrs. Davis, 
K. Rayner, Nash, Young, and Brevard spoke as Americans. * * * 
The meeting adjourned Saturday evening with the greatest enthusiasm, 
some of the oldest men present shedding tears profusely, with nine 



GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 73 

cheers for Filmore and Donnelson, and Honorable John A. Gilmer, 
(who was the candidate for governor), the audience, supposed to be five 
thousand, dispersed for home." 

[The young men who fired that cannon — the same one now at the 
Battleground and believed to have been used in the Battle of Guil- 
ford Court-house, were John L. Hendrix and Jas. W. Albright, both 
living at this time.] 



Annual Re-Union of Non-Residents 

The Greensboro Industrial and Immigration Association and Young 
Men's Business Association, jointly conceived the idea of having an 
annual reunion of non-resident native North Carolinians, to be held 
in Greensboro. Governor Aycock endorsed the movement, and so did 
the State legislature. The first gathering took place October 12, 1903, 
which is "North Carolina Day". Hundreds came, and twenty-three 
states were represented, and many of the foremost men of the nation 
were present. The program was as follows: Sunday, October 11: Ser- 
mons by Rev. A. C. Dixon, D. D., of Boston (a native of Cleveland 
county); Rev. C. W. Byrd, D. D., of Atlanta (Harnett county), and 
Rev. Walter W. Moore, D. D., of Richmond, Va. (a native of Mecklen- 
burg). Monday: Exercises were held in City Hall, Honorable M. W. 
Ransom presiding. Address of welcome was by Governor Chas. B. 
Aycock. Responses to address of welcome were made by representa- 
tives from North Carolina Societies in New York City, Philadelphia, 
Baltimore, Richmond, Washington City, Atlanta, and elsewhere. At 
night many receptions were held. Tuesday: The exercises were held 
at Guilford Battleground, where addresses were delivered. The first 
speaker was Judge Fitzgerald, of the Supreme Court of Nevada, who 
is a brother of Bishop Fitzgerald, and a native of Rockingham county; 
then speeches were made by the following gentlemen in the order 
named: Mr. Barlett, of Indiana; (Guilford); Honorable Joseph M. 
Dixon of Montana (Alamance) ; Dr. Paul Barringer, of the University 
of Virginia; Honorable Murat Halstead, of Cincinnati; Rev. Dr. Dixon, 
of Boston; Honorable Walter H. Page, editor of World's Work; Judge 
J, C. Pritchard, of Washington; President Edwin A. Alderman, of 
Tulane University, New Orleans — all proud that they were born in 
North Carolina, or descendants of some one who was. Tuesday night 
a general reception was held in the Smith Memorial Building of 
the First Presbyterian church. This was a notable gathering of the 
ladies and gentlemen of the city, who turned out in large numbers to 
do honor to the men of North Carolina who reflected credit upon their 
native land m distant states — among whom were judges, congress- 
men, lawyers, preachers, farmers, and bankers — all joyous to meet 



74 GEEENSBOEO— 1808-1904 

once more their relatives and the friends of their school days. So suc- 
cessful was this first reunion, that it is now a chartered association, 
and will hold annual meetings October 12. 



The Annual Meeting United Confederate Veterans 

The State annual reunion of the United Confederate Veterans, 
General Julian S. Carr, commandant, met with Guilford Camp, Captain 
J. W. Scott, commandant, in Greensboro, August 20, 1902. General 
Jas. M. Eay, of Asheville, commandant of the Tar Heel Brigade, who 
never misses either general or state reunions, says: "The Greensboro 
reunion was the best conducted, and the attendance the largest ever 
held in the State. That the city did itself proud by its lavish and 
generous attention to the 'old vets', and that ah in attendance will 
never cease to speak well of their treatment — everything being done 
that could be to make their stay pleasant. ' ' The tents were pitched 
in the shaded lawn of the Eckel place, corner of Washington and 
Davie street (now built up witu fine stores and residences). The 
number in attendance was estimated at one thousand two hundred 
who were fed under the direction of Dr. W. A. Lash, commissary 
of Guilford Camp. 



The First Benbow — City of Flowers.'* 

In May, 1871, when the first Benbow House was opened to the 
public; was a notable event and had much to do with bringing the 
infant city to the attention of the outside world. Honorable David 
Bennett Hill, of Elmira, New York, and about thirty other editors 
from New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, came to Greensboro, 
under the leadership of that veteran railroad man. Major N. H. 
Hotchkiss, Traveling Agent of the Chesapeake and Ohio, and Eich- 
mond and York Eiver railroads, by invitation of Mayor E. M. Sloan 
in behalf of the city. The Benbow House was headquarters, and 
from the kind words these distinguished euitors said about Greensboro 
and her citizens, when they returned home, may be dated her start 
to success — as the coming city of the State. These editors called the 
town, "The City of Flowers". 

Of this notable meeting we will quote from Major Hotchkiss ' book 
' ' The Pine and the Palm ' ', published soon after the return of the 
editors to their homes: 

"At Eeidsville we were met by a committee of reception from 
Greensboro, consisting of his honor. Mayor E. M. Sloan, and Messrs. 



GEEENSBOEO— 1808-1904 



75 



Jas. W. Albright, J. B. Balsley, Wm. Collins, and W. B. Boggart, of 
the city council, together with a large number of private citizens. On 
arriving at the depot we found a large crowd of people to receive and 
welcome us. After an introduction by the Mayor, P. F. Duffy, editor 
of the Greensboro Patriot, addressed his northern brethren in a neat 




76 GEEENSBOEO— 1808-1904 

welcome speech, to which our vice-president, S. H. Parker, and Honor- 
able J. H. Selkirk responded in the happiest manner. A general shak- 
ing of hands took place, when a parade was formed, and headed by a 
band brought from Eichmond by the city, we marched arm in arm 
with the citizens of Greensboro to the Benbow House, a new and 
commodious hotel, not yet quite completed. Ex-Governor Zebulon B. 
Vance was among the invited guests at the hotel, and we were all 
duly presented to him in turn. * * * The Benbow House is a 
manifestation of new life for the old town. When fully completed 
it will compare favorably with the best hotel edifices in any of our 
minor cities, in point of size, beauty of architecture, convenience, 
and finish. Its cost will be in the neighborhood of $40,000. Evi- 
dently Dr. Benbow believes his town has a wider future before it, 
else he would not invest so much in a way, that at present, can scarcely 
pay. But he is one of the most enterprising men the town has, and 
deserves great credit for his pluck and push. So fine a house as he 
has erected must do much toward general improvement. * * * At 
3.30 p. m., we sat down to the "municipal dinner", at the Benbow, 
Mayor Sloan presiding. To the sentiment 'Our Guests: we greet 
you!' Mr. A. A. Hopkins, of Eochester, N. Y., responded, and Gov- 
ernor Vance replied. * * * Addresses were also made by Honor- 
able D. B. Hill, of the excursion party, and Judge E. P. Dick, of 
Greensboro. * * * After dinner we strolled over the city. Within 
five miles is the scene of Greene's Eevolutionary battle of Guilford 
Oourt-house — within twelve miles is that of General Johnson's sur- 
render to General Sherman. * * * There are many beautiful 
residences — Mr. A. P. Eckel's attracted our attention the longest for 
its beautiful flowers and shubbery. " 



CHAPTER X 
GREENSBORO AND THE CONFEDERACY 



Governor Vance in Greensboro 

In April, 1SG5, soon after General Lee's surrender, Governor Vance 
left Ealeigh and established his headquarters in Greensboro, occupy- 
ing the oflSce of Mr. Levi M. Scott, for several days. Mr. Scott, 
Honorable John A. Gilmer, Mr. Jesse H. Lindsay were present when 
he wrote the following proclamation: 

' ' State of North Carolina, Executive Department, 

"Greensboro, April 28, 1865. 
"By the Governor of North Carolina — a Proclamation: 

"Whereas, by the recent surrender of the principal armies of the 
Confederate States, further resistance to the forces of the United 
States has become vain, and would result in a useless waste of blood; 
and whereas, all the natural disorders attendant upon the disband- 
ing of large armies are upon us, and the country is filled with numerous 
bands of citizens and soldiers disposed to do violence to persons and 
property: 

"Now, therefore, I, Zebulon B. Vance, Governor of the State of 
North Carolina, m the sincere hope of averting some of the many evils 
which threaten us, do issue this, my proclamation, commanding all 
such persons to abstain from any and all acts of lawlessness, to avoid 
assembling together in crowds in all towns and cities, or doing any- 
thing whatever calculated to cause excitement; and earnestly appeal- 
ing to all good citizens who are now at home to remain there, and to 
all soldiers of this State to retire quietly to their homes, and exert 
themselves in preserving order. Should it become necessary for the 
protection of citizens, I also appeal to the good and true soldiers of 
North Carolina, whether they have been surrendered and paroled or 
otherwise, to unite themselves together in sufficient numbers in the 
various counties of the State, under the superintendence of the civil 
magistrates thereof, to arrest or slay any bodies of lawless and unau- 
thorized men who may be committing depredations upon the persons 
or property of peaceable citizens, assuring them that it will be no viola- 
tion of their parole to do so. And I would assure my fellow-citizens 
generally, that, under God, I will do all that may be in my power to 



78 GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 

settle the government of the State, to restore the civil authority in 
her borders and to further the great ends of peace, domestic tran- 
quility, and the general welfare of the people. Without their aid I am 
powerless to do anything. 

Z. B. VANCE. 
By the Governor: 

A. M. McPHEETERS, Private Secretary." 

This was printed and widely circulated. 

The author is indebted to Mr. Levi M. Scott for this and many 
other items in this book. 



Greensboro During the War Between the States 

Greensboro and Guilford county were both overwhelmingly against 
secession, and while preparing for the worst, still hoped that in some 
way a clash of arms could be averted. But when South Carolina and 
Virginia seceded, and Governor Ellis called the voluntary military 
companies in the State to his aid, the Guilford Grays promptly 
responded. Still Judge R. P. Dick, Honorable John A. Gilmer, and 
others had hope — so strong was their love for the ''Stars and Stripes". 
On Friday night, April 18, 1861, the Grays met in the court-house 
ready to take their leave for Goldsboro. Talks were made by Judge 
Dick, Mr. Gilmer, and Richard Sterling. Mr. Sterling emphasized the 
sentiment that a strong military was the best way to preserve peace. 
Mr. Gilmer and Judge Dick endorsed the sentiment of Mr. Sterling, 
and urged the ' ' boys ' ' to respond promjjtly to the call of Governor 
Ellis, and said substantially: "Go! defend your State! Carry with 
you the "Stars and Stripes", and fight under that banner! Repell 
any armed force that puts foot upon North Carolina soil — whether it 
comes from South Carolina, Virginia, or Yankeedom! " And amid 
cheers, and with three days' rations, the Grays took the cars for 
Goldsboro — expecting to return harmless after a short term of service 
— so sanguine was the feeling that there would be no war. 

Lieutenant John A. Pritchett, Mebane Lamb and Jas. W. Albright 
— the only married men in the company save Captain John Sloan, were 
allowed to remain at home, if they would lend their uniforms to some 
young men who were not members. 

Mebane Lamb took work in a gun factory in Greensboro, J. A. 
Pritchett went into the Home Guards, and Jas. W. Albright served 
three years in the Army of Northern Virginia. 

From that day until the few who survived of the hundreds of 
Guilford's brave sons reached their homes after the surrender of their 
great leaders — Generals Lee and Johnson — Greensboro was the scene 



GKEENSBOEO— 1808-1904 79 

of much military activity — patriotism and suffering on the part of the 
men; devotion and sacrifice on the part of the women. 

The first draft to fill the rapidly depleting ranks of the Confederate 
army was made in Greensboro in February, 1862. This was a sad day. 
It was sad enough to those left behind, when their loved ones volun- 
tarily bade them good-bye and left for the war in 1861; but now to 
see them forced to go, it was hard, indeed, for scarcely a week had 
passed for six months without bringing news of the death of some 
dear husband, son, or brother. In May, 1862, the conscript act was 
passed by the Confederate Congress. The rigid enforcement of this 
law stripped the South of all the able-bodied men, and left the women, 
with their children and negroes to cultivate the fields and do all the 
hard work upon the farms and around the house. Now the poor suf- 
fered greatly, and in the main with little complaining — finding time 
to knit socks, weave jeans, and make clothes for loved ones in the 
army. Scarce a soldier visited old Guilford during the war, on a 
furlough, who did not return with a well-filled box of provisions and 
clothing for himself and brother comrades. It would be unjust to the 
thousands of slaves in Guilford not to say that they stood by their 
old owners and their families — toiling faithfully, and manifesting 
great affection for those at home and weeping with them when the 
news came of the death or wounding of one of the family. Some 
followed their owners through the whole war — cooking and doing 
chores as they would have done at home. 



Confederate School Books 

In 1861 Eichard Sterling and Jas. D. Campbell, who had prepared 
a series of school books, from a primer and spelling book to first, 
second, third, and fourth readers, formed a copartnership with Jas. W, 
Albright — who had to suspend The Times for want of mail facilities, 
putting his printing office into a company known as Sterling, Camp- 
bell & Albright, book publishers and printers. 

In February, 1862, the firm purchased an Adams book press in 
Columbia, S. C, and an improved Eammage hand press in New 
Orleans. No engine could be had to run the Adams press, and a horse- 
power made by A. P. Boren, near Pomona, for running cane-mills and 
threshing-machines, was purchased and placed in position in the rear 
of the printing office, which was in the brick building 218 West Mar- 
ket street. A horse was purchased — C. F. Thomas, now one of Greens- 
boro's leading job printers, was a lad and acted as motorman. Thus 
equipped, with Joseph H. Fetzer, Wm. H. Curtis, and D. x>f. Sherwood 
as printers, the work of issuing books began. The books were called 



80 GREENSBOEO— 1808-1904 

"Our Own Primer", "Our Own Speller", and "Our Own" first, 
second, third, and fourth readers — copyrighted by Sterling and Camp- 
bell. The firm continued to do business until the house was closed 
by order of the Federal troops in possession of the town after John- 
son's surrender, April 26, 1865. [The readers had a defence of 
slavery.] There was no limit to the sale, as few other school books 
were printed in those troublesome days — and there were many thou- 
sands of each book printed. The firm also printed "Our Verbal 
Primer" (like in use now — teaching children to read before learning 
the alphabet), but the writer does not remember who was the author. 
It was not a favorite with the old-time school teachers. Also a Pri- 
mary Grammar, by Charles W. Smythe, A. M.; an arithmetic by Prof. 
S. Lander; a Latin Grammar, bj^ Wm. Bingham, of Bingham Military 
School were printed. The greatest trouble the firm had was to get 
paper — white rags not being on the market save for hospitals. Much 
of the paper was made at the Salem and Wake Forest Mills, and 
mostly from raw cotton, damaged chiefly by water or fire in its 
owner's effort to keep it out of harm's way. The firm sent J. J. 
Ayers, a Frenchman who was a teacher in Edgeworth Female Semi- 
nary, to Liverpool, England, where he had the books stereotyped and 
succeeding in getting them back on the Advance on its first return 
trip from the Bermudas. 

The firm also printed much script for the counties in this State and 
Virginia, and all the script for ' ' The Greensboro Mutual Life Insur- 
ance and Trust Company", of which D. P. Weir was treasurer. 



At the Close of the Vv'ar Between the States 

In April, 1865, before Johnson's army surrendered, the paroled 
soldiers from Lee 's army — knowing further fighting was useless — 
and knowing the town was filled with quartermaster's and commissary 
stores — could not await the distribution, which was soon to take place. 

Major James E. Cole, a Greensboro boy, now of Dallas, Texas, in a 
book of reminiscences, published in 1897, thus describes this event: 

"Our town was in a miserable condition. The great houses of quar- 
termaster stores were thrown open and the contents, worth millions 
of dollars, were distributed. The avarice of men, the insubordination 
of reckless soldiers who had lost everything, the fear that all these 
valuable goods of which they stood so much in need might fall into 
the hands of the advancing enemy, all wrought upon the soldiers to 
such an extent that riot and plunder and storming of houses were 
following rapidly upon each other. They stormed the Confederate 
quartermaster stores of Major Chisman, and pillaged the whole 



GEEENSBOKO— 1808-1904 81 

of one great building. * * * Soon a detachment of the Forty- 
Eighth North Carolina Eegiment was seen coming down the street 
at a double-quick, led by a captain. Eushing into the midst of the 
multitude, the captain commanded them to disperse; the reply from 
the leader of the mob was a pistol shot. The officer returned the fire, 
and hurled him from his horse a dead man, at the same time ordered 
his men to fire. For a few minutes the crack of musketry was rapid 
and deadly, both sides fighting, but soon the desperate mob fled. 
* * * Four of the mob were slain in this melee. * * Major 
James Sloan begged Governor Vance to relieve him of his position 
as Chief Quartermaster of the State because of his old age, and the 
governor appointed me in his stead. Feeling greatly the sudden 
responsibility of having $2,000,000 worth of goods to be distributed 
under such dangerous circumstances, I called for an officer who knew 
how to obey orders. Major Brantly, a fine looking soldier from 
Mississippi reported to me, and I addressed him: 'Will you obey 
orders to the letter?' 'I will.' 'Take three hundred men on whom 
you can rely, and post them around the warehouse of the quartermas- 
ter stores and allow no one to enter without my permission. ' * * * 

' ' Soon came the old women from far and near, who had been charg- 
ing over guards, relying upon their sex to protect them from bullets, 
but the bayonets of Brantly glittered in their front. Turning fiercely 
upon me they screamed: 'We want some of them goods!' 'You 
can't have them.' 'Why don't you distribute them?' 'We are 
distributing them to the soldiers.' 'We want some of them.' 
'You can't get them.' Turning to the guard, I said: 'If any 
person attempts to break your line, shoot him on the spot!' That 
settled them, and there were no more houses stormed and all the 
goods were distributed to the Confederate soldiers before Sherman's 
arrival. * * * 

"President Davis, of the Confederate States had taken up his 
quarters in a car on the railroad track, where he slept and held his 
councils of war, and State. * * * During the negotiations between 
Generals Johnson and Sherman to arrange the preliminaries and terms 
of surrender. President Davis ordered General Dibbrell's division of 
Wheeler's cavalry to march with him as an escort. Late in the after- 
noon of a cloudy day in the latter part of April, the President of the 
Confederacy, Jefferson Davis; the secretary of war, John C. Breckin- 
ridge; the secretary of State, Judah P. Benjamin; the secretary of the 
treasurer, Mr. Trenholm; the postmaster-general, John H. Began, and 
other officials of the government, slowly left the town — ^Mr. Davis 
and General Breckenridge on horseback, the others in ambulances, the 
railroad being torn up by Stoneman. " 



Mrs. Letitia Walker, daughter of Governor John M. Morehead, in a 
paper read before the Greensboro Chapter of the Daughters of the 



82 GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 

Confederacy, lias this to say of the entrance into Greensboro of Sher- 
man's army: 

' ' President and Mrs. Davis remained over one night in Greensboro 
in their car, declining the invitation of my father, for fear the Federal 
troops should burn the house that sheltered him for one night. Men- 
ninger and his wife remained over several days with us for a rest, 
bringing with them Vice-President Alexander Stevens, so pale and 
careworn, but the price w^as on his head, and we tearfully bade him 
God speed. Never can I forget the farewell scene when the brave 
and grand Joseph E. Johnson called to say farewell, with tears run- 
ning down his brown cheeks. Not a word was spoken, but silent 
prayers went up for his preservation. * * * g^t one fine morning, 
amid the sound of bugles and trumpets and bands of music, the 
Federals entered Greensboro, fully thirty thousand strong, to occupy 
the town for some time. General Cox was in command. He, Burn- 
side, Schofield, and Kilpatrick, with their staffs, sent word to the 
mayor that they would occupy the largest house in town that night, 
and until their headquarters were established. They came to Bland- 
wood, which already sheltered three families and several sick soldiers. 
My father received them courteously and received them as guests — 
an act which General Cox appreciated, and after placing his tent in 
the rear of Judge Dick's house, he rode up every afternoon to consult 
with the Honorable John A. Gilmer and my father on the conditions 
of the country. He was a most courteous and elegant man, and in 
many ways displayed his sympathy with us. * * * Very soon a 
note was received announcing the arrival of Mrs. Cox and the hope 
that Mrs. Gilmer and Mrs. Walker would do him the honor to call 
upon his wife. * * * She received us in Mrs. Dick's parlor, sim- 
ple in manner, dignified, bordering on stiffness — in contrast with the 
genial manners of her husband. * * * ^ grand review oi all the 
troops was to be held on the next Saturday, and a pavilion was built 
in the center of town — upper seats to be occupied by the Federal 
ladies. By nine o'clock a four-horse ambulance with outriders was 
sent with a note from General Cox again 'begging the honor of Mrs. 
Gilmer's and Mrs. Walker's company, with Mrs. Cox to witness the 
review.' Mrs. Gilmer flatly told her husband that she refused to 
add one more spectator to the pageant, for it was an enemy's bullet 
that had maimed her only son for life. Violent, decisive words, and 
very ugly ones, too, were spoken by the other lady; but a peremptory 
order was given, and with bitter tears, accompanied by one of our 
soldiers, she went to the pavilion, to be received so graciously by 
Mrs. Cox." 



[Extract from mj' Three Years' War Diary.] 
Greensboro, Thursday, April 20, 1865. — Having ridden from Appo- 
mattox, after a day's rest, I reported to General Beauregard, who was 



GEEENSBOEO— 1808-1904 83 

in conimaiid of the Confederate forces in Greensboro. I gave an 
account of my services at Petersburg, on the retreat, and how I got 
to Greensboro. He asked me where I was Sunday of the surrender of 
Genei-al Lee. I replied that I left Appomattox at midnight Saturday 
with orders to go to Lynchburg for ammunition — that I was acting 
ordinance officer for the Twelfth Virginia Battalion of Light Artillery. 
The General replied: "Well, sir, you were included in the surrender 
of the Army of Northern Virginia, and you must take no part in the 
military transactions of our forces here or elsewhere, and if we 
evacuate Greensboro remain here until legally paroled. ' ' I inferred 
from his language that General Johnson would be compelled to sur- 
render and that the war was virtually over. 

When Sherman's army marched into town the printing office and 
book store of Sterling, Campbell & Albright was closed by military 
orders, and no Southern school booics — which were published by this 
firm — were allowed to be sold — ^because the readers defended slavery. 
I went to see the commandant of the post, a Major Worth (whom I 
afterwards learned was from New York, and a nephew of John M. 
Worth, of Eandolph county) ; and asked him to let me open the print- 
ing office and try to get work, as I was a practical printer and a 
member of the firm, and for three years in the Confederate service, 
and awaiting my parole here having, made good my escape from 
Appomattox — not knowing I was included in the surrender until I 
reached Greensboro and was so informed by General Beauregard. 
Major Worth seemed interested in my story or me, and told me to 
call next day. I did so, and he said I could open the job office, but 
not the book store; and he added: "T will give you the job of print- 
ing the paroles for Johnson's army." I replied, "all right, but I 
have no paper fit to print on". He said, "I will send you the copy 
and paper at once and want you to hurry up the work". I replied 
that I would, took the key to the office — hunted up my brother, R. H. 
Albright, who was paroled at Appomattox. We went to work with 
a will, and the way we turned out paroles was marvelous — considering 
we had nothing better than a Rammage hand-press. But we kept 
ahead of the officers after delivering the first thousand. I never asked 
Major Worth what he would pay — indeed he might refuse to pay 
anything — so myself and Bob felt happy when he handed us $125 in 
greenbacks and asked if that would pay us for the work. I replied — 
"Yes, Major"; and felt rich. 



CHAPTER XI 

GREENSBORO AND HER MERCHANTS 

In her early clays all the business of Greensboro was conducted 
chiefly on the four squares immediately around the old court-house. 
Thos. Caldwell & Sons (D. F., E. N., and W. A.) were on the corner 
where the postofiice building stands; Henry Humphries, on the corner 
of South Elm and West Market streets; Eobt. Moderwell, on the site 
of the Hotel Guilford; The Lindsays, Eobert, Harper, and Jesse, on 
corner of North Elm and East Market streets; Scott & McAdoo, on 
corner of Gaston and North Elm streets; the Sloans, Eobert, James, 
and John, where Sykes' drug store stands; Eankin & McLean on the 
corner of Davie and East Market streets. If there were any other 
stores of note in the forties they have escaped my memory. 

Today we have many firms that do more business in one day than 
all these combined did in a year. 



Odell Hardware Company 

Among wholesale enterprises of this city the most casual observer 
must accord to the establishment of the Odell Hardware Company a 
foremost position. The origin of the business dates back to the year 
1872, when Mr. J. A. Odell instituted a wholesale and retail dry 
goods and notions business. Later on a hardware department was 
added, with Mr. C. H. Ireland as manager. In 1884 the business was 
incorporated under its present title, and the dry goods department 
was discontinued, and the entire energies of the concern devoted to the 
hardware and kindred lines. From the occupation of a small two- 
story building, and the transaction of little more than a local trade, 
this house now occupies most commodious quarters and transacts the 
largest business of the kind, not only in this State, but throughout the 
entire southern section of the country. The premises occupied in this 
city consist of a three-story and full basement double building, cover- 
ing an area of forty-eight by one hundred and thirty-seven feet, with 
a four-story warehouse in the rear, of the dimensions of sixty by one 
hundred and twenty feet. The company have lately built a handsome 
office building adjoining their original store, of which they entered 
into occupation March 1, 1902. This is seventeen and a half by one 
hundred and forty feet in dimensions and three stories high. The 



GREENSBOEO— 1808-1904 



85 



entire ground floor is handsomely and conveniently arranged for office 
purposes, the basement and upper floors being used for storage. The 
immense stock handled by the house comprises hardware of every con- 
ceivable kind, mill supplies, agricultural tools and implements, man- 
tels, grates, tiles, etc. Speaking first of the hardware department, one 
may say that in all the multitudinous forms that the term includes, the 
extent, variety, and quality of the stock leaves no place unfilled. In 
addition to a general line, specialties are made of shelf hardware, pipe 
and pipe fittings, cutlery and guns, tinware and woodenware, farm 




ODELL HARDWARE COMPANY BUILDINGS 



tools, paints, oils, etc. Supplies are received, of course in carload 
lots, direct from manufacturers and first-hands generally, and the 
house obtains all its goods under the very best conditions, enabling 
them to be offered to the trade at lowest prices. The company make 
specialties of certain lines of goods. They handle the * ' U. M. C. " and 
"Winchester" shell ammunition. They are also agents for the South 
Bend Chilled Plows and the Ross Ensilage Cutters. The company make 
a specialty of mantels, grates, and tiles. A particular department is 
devoted to this line. 

The officers are J. A. Odell, president; C. H. Ireland, treasurer and 
general manager; J. Norman Wills, secretary. 



July 5, 1903, Jas. E. and R. S. McClamrock came from Winston to 
Greensboro and began business as journeymen plasterers and placing 
grates and mantels. Now their business extends all over the South, 



86 GREENSBOEO— 1808-1904 

and they not only sell mantels, tiles, and grates, but take orders to 
place them in your house. A visit to 324 South Elm street will well 
repay you — for more artistic work and a larger variety to select from 
can be found nowhere in this State. You can get anything you want 
and beautify your home^ — expending much or little, as your purse 
dictates. 

The aim of this house is the production of strictly high-grade goods 
at a reasonable price, and this accounts for their rapidly increasing 
patronage. 

The best evidence of the growth of a city is the accession of well 
established business houses. A few years ago Mr. E. M. Andrews, the 
largest furniture dealer in the State, opened a branch store in Greens- 
boro. He had faith in the city, and has made it his headquarters. 
He now conducts branch stores in Charlotte and Wilmington, N. C, 
Rock Hill, S. C, and Augusta, 6a. 

The Raleigh News and Observer says: "When people hear the 
name of E. M. Andrews, it tells them of a business that is a success, 
and of a progressive business man, whose name stands for reliability. 
Formerly, he was of Charlotte, but now he is located at Greensboro, 
where he has headquarters for the distribution over a great territory 
of the standard lines of pianos and organs. Throughout the length 
and breadth of North Carolina he is known, and his business keeps 
growing. ' ' 

The North Carolina Christian Advocate endorses the above, and 
adds: "There are thousands of North and South Carolina homes 
furnished with the best to be had in furniture purchased from Mr. 
Andrews. He has been in the furniture business for a number of years, 
and since moving from Charlotte to Greensboro, he has organized and 
is now controlling the largest furniture establishment in the State. ' ' 

Mr. Andrews will be found on South Elm street, near Odell Hard- 
ware Company, and if you are in need of anything to go into your 
house call and see his complete line of organs, pianos, furniture, 
stoves, household furnishings, etc. His stock is immense and com- 
plete, and it would be diflS.cult to want anything to make home com- 
fortable or attractive that he cannot furnish — either at wholesale 
or retail. 

Few business men have been more successful, and it is gratifying 
to state that his business has greatly increased since he became a 
citizen of Greensboro. 

Much of the side-walk paving is being done by Mr. Sam. Brown, 
who contracts for all kinds of brick or cement paving. 

Few people remain in Greensboro very long until they inquire for a 
liveryman. To such Tatum & Taylor, 115 Depot street, are commended. 



GREENSBOEO— 1808-1904 87 

The Asheboro Street Pharmacy is nearly opposite the graded school 
and has a good class of patrons. Mr. Eobert Hill is in charge and is 
one of the proprietors. 

At the candy manufactory at Hotel Guilford, by S. Chouris, will be 
found a full line of best, freshest, and purest candies of his own 
make. He occupies the room formerly used as a cafe. 

In all progressive towns a man who is an expert in placing boilers, 
and erecting machinery and smoke-stacks, is a man much sought after. 
Mr. O. D. Boycott, who has had fourteen years' experience, is that 
man. 

. The Greensboro Steam Laundry, 111-113 West Market street, was 
established April, 1891, by the proprietor, John M. Dick, who conducts 
a very thorough and up-to-date establishment, with all the modern 
appliances. 

Mr. C. P. Vanstory was for many years the leading liveryman in the 
city; but for two years has run a sales stable — handling only the best 
grade of horses and mules. He began business in 1872 at his present 
quarters on Davie street. 

Few cities of the size of Greensboro can boast of a better book or 
art store than that of Wharton Brothers, 206 South Elm street. The 
firm began business in 1895, with a store twenty-five by one hundred 
feet, with picture frame factory in the rear. The stock of books 
embraces current literature, school books, church hymnals, etc. 

Bernau & Ellington, opticians and jewelers, 204 South Elm street, 
commenced business in Greensboro in 1901, and stand at the head of the 
business in their line. The firm is inspector of watches for the 
Southern railway, which is sufficient evidence of its skill in this 
branch. Mr. Bernau has had twenty-one years' active experience in 
the jewelry business. He came to this city from Abbeville, S. C. 

Plumbers and gas fitters are never found outside a growing town, 
hence the firm of J. R. Rich & Son, whose headquarters are Asheville, 
established a branch in this city in 1900. The son, J. L. Rich, who 
looks after the business here has not been idle. He has satisfactorily 
filled the following contracts: Heating plant at North Carolina State 
Normal College, county jail, plumbing at City Hall, and many private 
residences. 

J. Ed. Albright, plumber, came to the city as foreman of the 
plumbing establishment of Odell Hardware Company. In 1901 he 
added to his plumbing, heating, gas fitting, manufacturer of awnings, 
etc. He has done some very fine work. We only mention a few: the 
plumbing in the new office building of the Cone Export Company, 



88 GREENSBOEO— 1808-1904 

also the heating iu the fine residences of Mr. C. M. Vanstory and Dr. 
Dred Peacock. 

The Greensboro Eeal Estate Exchange, oificered by J. R. Hughes and 
A. L. Eankin, with office in Benbow House, is doing an extensive 
business selling city property and farm land adjacent to the city. 
They are both "natives and to the manor born", and can tell a 
prospective purchaser just what he wants and either sell it to him or 
buy it for him if it is not on their catalogue. These gentlemen went 
into the real estate business in 1900. 

J. W. Scott & Company are the largest wholesale dealers in dry 
goods and notions in the State. The firm started in business in 1871, 
in a small way, but have grown to an incorporated company with 
$60,000 capital. They are in their own building, a handsome structure 
on West Washington street. At first they handled both dry goods 
and groceries; but disposed of the grocery stock in 1903. The officers 
are J. W. Scott, president and treasurer; W. C. McLean, secretary. T. 
D. Sherwood, one of the directors, is general buyer. 

The Scott-Sparger Company is a wholesale grocery concern, and is 
enjoying a large and growing business. The company was organized 
in April, 1903, and succeeded to the well-established grocery business 
of J. W. Scott & Company, also that of the A. E. Messick Company. 
Mr. J. H. Sparger, formerly senior member of Sparger Brothers, 
tobacco manufacturers, of Mt. Airy, is the president; J. W. Scott, vice- 
president; E. E. Steele, former manager of A. F. Messick Grocery 
Company, sales manager. They have a large new building on South 
Davie street, with their own side track, affording excellent facilities. 

W. C. Bain, contractor, has been in Greensboro twelve years, and 
during that time has built more houses than any other contractor. 
He came from Durham. We will only mention a few of the houses 
he has built in this city. City Hall, Methodist Protestant Publishing 
house building, the Sunday-school annex of the First Presbyterian 
church, and the dormitory of the North Carolina State Normal College, 
which was destroyed by fire in 1904. Also has the contract for City 
National Bank's new building opposite Hotel Guilford. He is always 
in demand. 

J. M. Hendrix & Company, of South Elm street, who carry a general 
line of dry goods, notions, shoes, etc., have been in business in 
Greensboro for many years. He is a Greensboro man and his father, 
John L. Hendrix, was in business in the city in 1856. Few firms 
have a deeper hold upon a good line of patrons than J. M. Hendrix & 
Company. They know how to get and hold trade. 

The motto of this firm is, "Once a customer, always a friend", 
hence their trade is not limited to the city and county, but extends to 
the near-by cities. 



GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 89 

The Leak-Halladay Company is the successor of J. N. Leak, who 
three years ago established the business of handling exclusively car- 
pets, rugs, mattings, tapestry, linoleums, floor cloths, window shades, 
etc. The specialty of the house is fitting carpets to residences, hotels, 
offices, etc. The stock is always complete, but special orders will be 
taken and ordered direct from the manufacturers. 

This company will be found at 221 South Elm street, and a more 
beautiful display of carpets, rugs, curtains, wall paper, etc., was never 
seen in Greensboro. You will have no difficulty in obtaining just 
what you need, and at a reasonable price. 

There is no house in Greensboro where the ladies can rely more 
safely upon getting the latest effects in fine dry goods, notions, 
lace curtains, etc., than at the store of S. L, Gilmer & Company, 234 
South Elm street. This house has been in business long enough to 
know just what the ladies need and will have; and their buyer is an 
expert of unsurpassed taste and good judgment. It is a firm which 
has, by' fair dealings, established itself in the confidence of the public. 

The proprietors and clerks are courteous and painstaking, and take 
great pleasure in displaying goods and giving prices, which can always 
he relied upon as cheap for the quality of the article exhibited. 

In 1896 Mathews, Chisholm, & Stroud established a clothing house at 
300 South Elm street. In 1898 the firm name was Rankin, Chisholm, 
Stroud & Rees; but in 1900 it assumed the name of Chisholm, Stroud, 
Crawford & Rees. The store is at 300 South Elm street, in the center 
of business, and the firm does its share of the trade of the city, with a 
fine trade within radius of fifty miles. Mr. J. W. Crawford is buyer 
and manager; Mr. W. R. Rees is in charge of the financial and official 
departments. They also do a jobbing business with outside merchants. 

All they ask of any one in need of any goods in their line is a call; 
for they feel sure an examination means a purchase, and a permanent 
customer and good friend in the future. 

The up-to-date enterprise presided over by E. M. Caldcleugh & 
Brother was instituted by the senior partner over twenty years ago. 
It is pleasing to note the rapid growth of this firm. A small frame 
building on the corner of Sycamore and South Elm streets was where 
it first began to build up the enormous trade it now enjoys. Now 
they own their own building, thirty-two by two hundred feet, with a 
warehouse in the rear, twenty-five by seventy-five feet — both well 
filled with china, glass, and crockery ware, lamps, etc. The firm does 
both a wholesale and retail business. 

It is always a pleasure to these gentlemen to show any one through 
their well-arranged and carefully-selected stock of goods. 



90 GREENSBOEO— 1808-1904 

The Vanstory Clothing Company went into business in 1900, but 
C. M. Vanstory and Wm. G. Balsley were in copartnership nearly 
twelve years before this date. The firm does an extensive business in 
clothing, hats, men's furnishings, etc., at wholesale or retail. Cus- 
tom tailoring is also a specialty. C. M. Vanstory is president, 
W. G. Balsley, vice-president, G. A. Rankin, treasurer. If they can 't 
suit in ready-made goods they will take your order and have a suit 
made for joii. 

Every one of the firm — as well a many of the clerks — have grown 
up in the business and with Grc asboro, and know just what the 
local trade needs. They have an e> tensive business acquaintance with 
all the counties surrounding old Guilford. 



Greensboro Nurseries 

While growing nursery stock has long been a leading feature in 
Guilford county, some of the first and best nurseries in the State were 
established here many years before the war of 1861- '65. S. W. West- 
brook and his son, C. W. Westbroow, who was succeeded by J. M. Ward 
& Sons, conducted the business for at least fifteen years. In 1884 
the present proprietor, John A. Young, purchased Mr. Ward's interest. 
He acquired the sole ownership in 1886; since which time the opera- 
tions have steadily increased, until now his nursery covers an area 
of four hundred and eighty-seven acres — two hundred and fifty under 
cultivation. On this farm are about two hundred thousand apple, 
one hundred and fifty thousand peach, and fifty thousand pear trees, 
besides cherry, apricot, and plum trees, strawberry plants, etc. He 
sells almost exclusively by agents, who travel throughout the most of 
the southern States. Mr. Young believed that hogs would be an 
advantage to his fruit trees, by eating the faulty fruit, and he began 
the raising of fine hogs. He has also added a herd of thoroughbred 
Jersey cattle. Mr. Young is also president of the Cleveland Orchard 
and Nursery Company, of Ward Gap, Patrick county, Va. 



The J. Van Lindley Nursery Company 

The J. Van Lindley Nursery Company dates its inception to 1866, 
when Mr. Lindley began the nursery business with his father, Joshua 
Lindley, who was the first man in the State to establish the growing 
of nursery stock for general sale, and leading authority upon all mat- 
ters pertaining to the growing of fruits or cultivation of fruit trees. 



GEEENSBOKO— 1808-1904 91 

Mr. J. Van Lindley has been identified with the industry from 
childhood, and with him it has been a "labor of love", as well as a 
business. His experience, of course, is beyond criticism, and as evi- 
dence of the appreciation in which his knowledge is held we may state 
that he is president of the Horticultural Society of North Carolina, 
The possessions of the company cover altogether about one thousand 
acres, three hundred and fifty of which are under cultivation. There 
are eight greenhouses, making in all twenty thousand square feet under 
glass, used in growing plants for cut flowers. The remainder is for 
the cultivation of nursery stock. The house makes a specialty of 
flowers in all designs, for weddings, funerals, and social functions 
generally, also for decorative purposes, etc. Particular attention is 
given to the production of roses and carnations, the fii'st including the 
famous American Beauty, which are here grown to perfection. Flow- 
ers are shipped to any point within a five-hundred-mile radius and are 
carefully packed so as to ensure their reaching their destination fresh 
and in the best condition. With regard to the nursery department 
some idea of the extent of the enterprise may be realized from the 
following figures: The company have now on their land in cultivation 
four hundred thousand peach trees, three hundred thousand apple 
trees, fifty thousand pear trees, fifty thousand plum trees, one hun- 
dred thousand grape vines, besides some two hundred thousand other 
assorted trees, vines, plants, etc. The specialty of this house, and the 
cornerstone upon which its reputation is firmly established, is the fill- 
ing of all orders true to name, and furnishing such trees and plants 
that bear fruit exactly as represented, also the collection of such 
varieties of the different fruit and other trees as are suited to the 
various sections in which they transact business. Different fruits 
need different climates and soils, and there are some unscrupulous 
houses, who sell trees indiscriminately without regard to these condi- 
tions. But it is safe to say that all who may order of this house can 
absolutely depend upon everything being as represented, and this fact 
— well known — has been the cause of the high reputation and appre- 
ciation which the concern enjoys. The stock here available, includes 
apple, peach, plum, and mulberry trees, grape vines, small fruit plants, 
nut-bearing trees, including Japanese walnuts, chestnuts, and pecans; 
shade trees, maples, poplars, willows, evergreens, flowering shrubs, 
and ornamental plants generally. Specialties are made of peach trees, 
different varieties ripening from June to October, winter apples, 
Japanese plums — which have come largely into popularity within 
recent years — and nut trees. The company are constantly testing new 
varieties, and making experiments with foreign products with some 
of which they have met witli gratifying success. The company pub- 
lish an illustrated catalogue and price lists, also pamphlets and other 
printed matter, which they will at once forward upon application, as 



92 GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 

well as answers to inquiries and all required information. The trade 
of the company extends throughout the entire South and they also 
make shipments to the Northern sections. They have about seventy- 
five travelers, calling on farmers and others, and they employ about 
sixty men on the estate. The gentlemen conducting the business are: 
J. Van Lindley, president; Paul C. Lindley, vice-president; and G. S. 
Boren, secretary and treasurer. 



PHYSICIANS AND DENTISTS 

The physicians who once lived in Greensboro, but long since dead, 
were: Dr. I. J. M. Lindsay, A. S. Porter, Cummings Mebane, J. L. Cole, 
H. M. Alford, A. H. Staples. The following are now practicing in the 
city: J. E. Logan, J. G. Broadnax, K, K, Gregory, W. P. Beall, Miss 
Joy Harris, Ed. Harrison, C. L. Scott, Chas. Eobinson, J. T. J. Battle, 
E. R. Michaux, John Thames, A. L. Ledbetter, E. L. Stamey, W. J. 
Richardson, A. E. Brooks, B. W. Best, J. P. Turner, W. J. Meadows, 
Thad L. Troy, J. B. Matthews, A. L. Fortune, A. R. Wilson, W. B. 
Murphy, J. W. Long, J. E. Grimsley, J. E. Bellinger, W. H. Hughes. 



Dentists of old, now dead: J. W. Hewlett, D. P. Gregg, A. H. 
Robinson. N ow practicing: J. S. Betts, G. W. Whitsett, L. M. 
Humphrey, J. W. Griffith, A. J. Burton, J. E. Wyche, J. H. Wheeler. 



CHAPTER XII 

GREENSBORO'S MANUFACTURING INTERESTS 

In 1830, Henry Humphries, had a five-story cotton factory on Greene 
street, nearly opposite the present standpipe. He did an extensive 
business and sold his goods in Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, 
and upper Georgia. Money was scarce in those days and he issued 
his own script — which was as good in all those States as gold. The 




MOUNT HECLA STEAM COTTON MILLS 

This picture is enlarged from one on a one-dollar bill, reading as follows : North 
tarolina — The proprietor of the Mount Hecla Steam Cotton Mills promises to pay the 
bearer on demand one dollar in current money. Henry Humphreys, proprietor. 
Greensborough, June, 1837. 

bills were lithographed and printed by E. Morris, of Philadelphia, and 
are very fine specimens of art. The bills were of the denomination of 
121^, 25, and 50c., $1, $3, and $5. 

The output was bunch cotton and sheeting. 

Sometime during the early fifties, Thomas R. Tate, a son-in-law of 
Mr. Humphries, who was then the owner, moved the machinery to 
Mountain Island, on the Catawba river, because of the scarcity of 
wood and want of railroad facilities to bring coal. 

As early as 1840 a chair and furniture factory was in an old frame 
building on West Market street, where now stands the Banner 



94 



GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 



Tobacco warehouse. The goods were brought from Petersburg and 
Fayetteville in wagons, in the knock-down state. A Mr. Danforth was 
in charge, and the chairs were all wood — called Windsor. A child 's 




GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 95 

arm chair and a large rocker are now in the possession of the writer — 
and very serviceable — and have been in use ever since 1840. This 
building remained a furniture shop until in the sixties when it was 
condemned by the city and torn down. Harrison Kirkman, Joseph 
Sears, Wm. Amos, and Eobert Denny, in the order named, ran the 
shop. Fine veneered bureaus, bedsteads, etc., were made. John A. 
Pritchett was in the furniture business in the fifties, but, I think, on 
the lot where he now resides. 

The bedsteads were about seven feet high, making room for a 
trundle-bed underneath, and curtains above all round the occupants. 
They were kept in place with ropes, and the spring-cleaning of our 
grandmothers was a huge job — no one who has never seen this can 
appreciate it from anything written. 

Eeuben Dick, in the forties manufactured cigars, snuff, and plug 
tobacco on the lot where F. Detmering lives. 

Harrison Warren about the same time manufactured wool and fur 
hats and ran a dye establishment, at his home, which was about 
where W. C. McLean lives. 

Miss Nancy Clark bleached, dyed, and shaped the sky-scraper leg- 
horn bonnets for the women. 

Eose & Overman had a carriage factory opposite Hotel Guilford in 
the forties, and turned out many fine vehicles, and kept the old stage- 
coaches in repair. 

Jed. H. Lindsay had a saw-mill about where the Southern railway 
crosses Lindsay street, about the same time. 

Governor J. M. Morehead also had a tin shop where Colonel J. N. 
Staples' residence stands. The work was done by his slaves. 

Dr. I. J. M. Mebane, also had a tin shop on the lot now owned 
by W. A. Bevill on West Market street. His slave, Wash, was the 
leader of a colored band, and he made all the instruments, which were 
tin or copper. 

Tinware and the repairing of copper stills were profitable industries 
before 1857 when the railroad reached the town. 

With the exception of blacksmith's shops and shoe shops and tailor 
shops the above comprised Greensboro's industrial enterprises. 

What has the last fifty years brought to Greensboro in this line? 
We will mention a few of the most important — in the order of their 
coming as far as possible: 



96 GEEENSBOEO— 1808-1904 



Greensboro Furniture Company 

Established 1890. Joint stock company. Manufacturers of all kinds 
of furniture. 



Greensboro Sash and Blind Factory — The Oldest in the City 

Established 1881. J. E. Mendenhall and J. W. Mcrfairy, proprie- 
tors. All kinds of wood materials for contract builders. 



Spoke and Handle Factory 

Established 1892. Branch Merrimon, proprietor. Makes spokes 
and handles for foreign trade. 

W. H. Snow was the first man in the State, if not the South, who 
manufactured spokes and handles, and his factory was in Greensboro 
in the seventies. He removed to High Point, and was one of the 
chief factors in its wonderful growth as a manufacturing town. 



Hunter Manufacturing and Commission Company 

Hunter Manufacturing and Commission Company was organized 
January 10, 1897. E. G. Vaughn, cashier City National Bank, is 
president; J. S. Hunter, secretary and treasurer. The company man- 
ufacturers ■ Old North State Overalls ' ', and does a general wholesale 
commission business. 



The Sergeant Manufacturing Company 

The Sergeant Manufacturing Company is the successor of the 
Pioneer Foundry which was in operation before the war of the 
sixties. They made plows, castings, and did general machinery 
work, and were the first in the city. The firm name was Yarborough 
& Tarpley. Sergeant & McCauley succeeded this firm in 1869, and 
enlarged the plant and began the manufacture of cooking and heat- 
ing stoves, the first in the State. The present plant of the house com- 
prises a two-story machine shop, forty-eight by one hundred and thirty- 
two feet, a foundry, forty by one hundred and twenty feet, and a cast- 
ing house, twenty-four by thirty-six feet. The machinery and appli- 
ances of the latest improved character are operated by a thirty-five 
horse power boiler and two engines; about twenty-five skilled mechanics 
and others being employed. A part of the plant was destroyed by 



GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 97 

fire January 1, 1890, but there was practically but a week's delay in 
carrying on the business and since then, the equipment of the works 
has been practically renewed. The company's operations include 
general foundry work, machinery repairing, jobbing, etc. The house, 
however, makes specialties in certain lines. The principal of these is 
an improved saw mill, with a patent variable feed. This mill is admit- 
ted to be the best in use, and its sales extend over many States.^ 
Another specialty is the Sergeant patent link sash weights; the patent 
of Mr. G. S. Sergeant in 1894, and now generally adopted by builders. 
The members of the company are: Mr. B. E. Sergeant and Sons, 
George S. and Wm. T., the father is president and Mr. Geo. S. Sergeant, 
secretary, treasurer, and manager, and inventor of the improved 
appliance made by the company; also president of the City Board of 
Education. Mr. Will. T. Sergeant is in charge of the city water and 
light department. 

The senior member of the firm came from Deleware before the war, 
and had charge of company shops while the place was simply a repair 
foundry and machine shops for the North Carolina Railroad Com- 
pany. He has on the yard of the foundry in Greensboro an old boiler 
which was used as a locomotive on the Raleigh and Gaston Railroad. 



The E. A. Brown Tobacco Company manufactures chewing and 
smoking tobacco. 

The Van Deventer Carpet Company manufactures carpets and rugs. 
A. J. Brunson, president. 

The Acme Mill Works do general mill work and machine repairing. 
L. M. Clymer, proprietor. 

The American Manufacturing Company manufactures overalls, etc. 
J. Norman Wills, president. 

The Southern Bobbin Company manufactures bobbins and mill spe- 
cialties. S. H. Boyd, president. 

The Brooks Manufacturing Company handles lumber and all kinds of 
building material made from wood. C. G. Wright is president. 

North State Bobbin Company makes a specialty of cotton mill sup- 
plies. W. Chas. Scott is president, and W. R. Rankin, treasurer. 

The Cape Fear Manufacturing Company deals in building materials 
of all kinds. J. F. Hodgin, president; John A. Hodgin, treasurer. 

The Sherwood Bobbin and Manufacturing Company manufacture 
bobbins, spools, and mill supplies. M. S. Sherwood, general manager. 



98 GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 

The Greensboro Furniture Manufacturing Company manufactures 
all kinds of furniture. J. W. Fry is president, and J. C. Murchison, 
treasurer. 

The Gate City Furniture Company makes chamber suits and house 
furnishings of all kinds made of oak and other wood. C. E. Holton is 
president. 

The Pitts & Monroe Company deals in lumber, sash, blinds, mould- 
ings, etc. J. R. Pitts and O. W. Monroe are both practical men in 
their line. 

The Carolina Spoke & Binding Company manufactures spokes, han- 
dles, mill supplies, etc. J. Elwood Cox, president; J. H. Whitt, secre- 
tary and treasurer. 

The Hardwood Manufacturing Company handles a general line of 
building material — sash, doors, blinds, etc. Neil Ellington, president; 
Charles H. Fisher, treasurer. 

Guilford Lumber Manufacturing Company makes sash, doors, and 
blinds, and handles all kinds of building material. C. A. Reynolds is 
president, and W. D. Mendenhall, secretary. 

The Coulter & Lowry Company are successors to the Southern Fin- 
ishing Company, instituted in 1892. The company takes the crude 
cloth from the factories and puts it into merchantable shape. John C. 
Lowry is president. 

For thirty years Mr. G. T. Glascock has been in the foundry busi- 
ness in Greensboro, beginning in 1873 the manufacture of stoves and 
grates, and hollow-ware; also wood sawing and splitting machinery. 
The firm is now Glascock & Sons — T. A. and L. L. Glascock becoming 
members in 1894- '97. Their shop is at 212 Lewis street. 

The Pomona Terra-Cotta Company, near the city, commenced busi- 
ness in 1885 with a two-horse-power boiler and engine. The business 
has steadily grown until now the output of the several factories is 
about nine hundred carloads of manufactured goods annually, and 
about one hundred men are given employment. They manufacture all 
kinds of terra-cotta piping for drains, well-tubing, fire-brick and salt- 
glazed sewer pipe, etc. It is hard to estimate the value of such a 
plant to a growing city like Greensboro. Its officers are J. Van Lind- 
ley, president; Dr. J. E. Logan, vice-president; W. C. Boren, secretary 
and treasurer. 



On the northern suburbs are a finishing mill, a carpet mill. Prox- 
imity and Revolution (two large cotton mills). The mammoth White 
Oak Cotton Mills now in course of construction are located just north 



GREENSBOEO— 1808-1904 99 

of the Revolution Mills and have been in the hands of the builders for 
a year or two. The main factory building, weaving room, half of 
which is two stories, covers three and seven-eighths acres of ground. 
The one room is nine hundred and four by one hundred and eighty feet, 
the largest factory room in the South. In this building there is one 
hundred and sixty-two thousand seven hundred and twenty square feet 
of floor space. The spinning mill is also an imposing structure. It is 
six hundred and forty-three by one hundred and eighty-five feet, two 
stories. This building by itself would seem an immense one but it is 
small in comparison to the weaving room running parallel within a 
few feet. The picker room is three hundred and twelve by seventy- 
eight feet. The dye house three hundred and twelve by one hundred 
and fifty feet. Boiler room, seventy-six by sixty-eight feet. The 
White Oak Mills when completed will employ two thousand five 
hundred hands and the consumption each day will be one hundred 
and thirty-five bales of cotton. For the supply of cotton there 
will be fourteen fire-proof warehouses, fifty by one hundred feet. 
There are now two hundred carpenters and masons working on 
the mill and the tenement houses. In all there will be six hundred 
houses for the operatives. Two hundred six-room houses, three hundred 
and fifty four-room and fifty three-room houses have been built. 
These three mills, Revolution, Proximity, and White Oak, will be in 
the center of a population of ten thousand jjeople, all supported by the 
mills. 

To the Messrs. Moses and Ceasar Cone the city of Greensboro is 
chiefly indebted for all these mills, save the finishing mill, which was 
in operation when the Messrs. Cone became interested in Greensboro. 

On the north of the city is also located the Empire Steel and Iron 
furnace, which has been operated for several years, obtaining its 
ore chiefly from Ore Hill, in Chatham, and a mine some six miles east 
of Greensboro. 



CHAPTER XIII 
SOME PROMINENT INDUSTRIES 



Greensboro Electric Company 

Greensboro has both gas and electric plants, operated by the Greens- 
boro Electric Company, which furnishes the city with light. This 
company furnishes power for manufacturing enterprises, elevators, etc. 
On June 11, 1902, this company commenced running electric cars, of a 
very superior quality, and their service is very satisfactory to the 
public. The line starts at the powei"-house on East Market street, 
runs out West Market street by Greensboro Female College and the 
North Carolina State Normal and Industrial College to Lindley Park, 
two and a half miles west of the city. The cars also run from cor- 
porate limits of South Greensboro, via Southern railway's station, 
through the center of city, and through the manufacturing town of 
Proximity on the northern suburbs, as far as White Oak Cotton Mills — 
a distance of three miles from the city. No city of its size is better 
equipped with electric car service. 

The officers are John Karr, of Hackettstown, N. J., president; Z. V. 
Taylor, ex-mayor of Greensboro, secretary; M. O. Barr, of New York, 
treasurer. 



Security Life and Annuity Company 

There is no better evidence of growth and progress in Greensboro 
than the rapid strides it is making in the insurance field. Its busi- 
ness men see and seize the opportunities that lie abovit them. The 
greatest of all opportunities in the South today is in the field of life 
insurance. The organization and development of life insurance com- 
panies in the State, and in the South, will do more toward the general 
development of this section than anything else. 

Greensboro is sure to be the insurance center of the South. There 
are four successful Fire Companies. The life insurance business 
was inaugurated by the organization of the Security Life and 
Annuity Company in 1901. This Company has been remarkably suc- 
cessful. It is an old-line, legal reserve Company, and has a guaranty 



GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 101 

capital of $100,000.00 deposited with the Insurance Commissioner of 
North Carolina. It has already, during its existence of only two 
years and a half, over two and a half millions of insurance in force. 
It has the patronage of many of the most prominent and successful 
business and professional men in the State. It operates in North 
Carolina and South Carolina, and will enter other States as rapidly as 
it seems wise. 

The officers are J. Van Lindley, President; P. H. Hanes, Vice-Presi- 
dent; Lee H. Battle, Treasurer; Geo. A. Grimsley, Secretary and 
Manager of Agents; R. E. Forster, Actuary; Dr. J. T. J. Battle, Medi- 
cal Director; Dr. E. R. Michaux, Assistant Medical Director; and 
King and Kimball, Legal Counsel. The trustees are J. Van Lindley, 
P. H. Hanes, William A. Blair, Lee H. Battle, W. S. Thomson, E. 
Colwell, Jr., J. W. Scott, Alexander Hanes, and Geo. A. Grimsley. 
These men are men of character and of well-known business ability, 
and the success of the Company under such management was assured 
from the beginning. 



Tobacco Industry 



Greensboro is now quite a market for the sale of leaf tobacco, the 
manufacture of cigars, and plug tobacco; but its beginning dates back 
to about 1845, and its growth since that time was slow, with many 
drawbacks. 

The first man to make cigars, snufif, and plug tobacco was Reuben 
Dick, and his factory was where F. Detmering now lives near the 
First Presbyterian church. 

In 1859 Colonel E. P. Jones came to Greensborj, from Yanceyville, 
and began the manufacture of plug tobacco — ^buying his tobacco from 
the few farmers who were raising the weed — there being no ware- 
house in the city. The Guilford men he bought from were Colonel D. 
G. Neeley and Thomas Buchanan. Colonel Jones manufactured about 
two hundred and fifty thousand pounds of tobacco in 1860, being the 
first man to ship tobacco from Greensboro. In 1861 Colonel Jones 
had quite a large amount of tobacco on hand — over ten thousand 
pounds — which the Confederate government took for the army — pay- 
ing him in bonds. This stopped the work in that line, as no tobacco 
could be grown — food stuffs demanding all the attention of the few 
farmers left at home. 

In 1874 Colonel Jones opened up again and sold and manufactured 
tobacco in the old Caldwell Institute, afterwards in a brick building, 
where the Gate City Laundry now stands. The first men who sold 
tobacco in his warehouse were Colonel D. G. Neeley, Thos. Buchanan, 
and Thomas Donnell. 



102 GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 

In 1876 Eugene Morehead bnilt a large waTehouse on Ashe street, 
about opposite Buchanan street. This was not a success and was 
discontinued. 

In 1882 W. E. Bevill built the Farmers' Warehouse, and rapidly 
developed the tobacco trade, and it has been kept open ever since. 

In 1883, Jas. W. Albright and David Scott opened the Star ware- 
house in the old Patriot office, which stood where the store of Rankin 
Brothers stands on South Elm street. The Houston Brothers bought 
this property and anxious to encourage the tobacco trade, built a 
nice warehouse on the rear of the lot on Davie street — which was 
continued for several years until destroyed by fire. 

In 1885 the Banner warehouse, on West Market street, was built by 
J. Henry Gilmer & Company, and has been successfully run ever since 
by different parties. 

The Planters' warehouse is on the corner of East Washington and 
Davie streets, built by Mr. Hagan. 



The American Cigar Factory is doing an immense business. 



H. W. Cobb, J. L. King, J. H. Whitt, J. L. Jordan, Jno. Barker, Bray 
Brothers, and W. E. Bevill were the leaders in the tobacco industry. 



Telephone Exchange 

The first telephone exchange in the city was put in by C. N. McAdoo, 
and very successfully operated until 1904, when Mr. McAdoo sold the 
plant to the Bell Telephone Company, which has greatly enlarged and 
improved the service, which is now equal to any in the South. The 
Bell Company had previously established a long distance 'phone. 

The company is now erecting a fine three-story office building on 
corner of West Market and South Greene streets. 



CHAPTER XIV 

ORGANIZATIONS, PARKS, AND MISCELLANY 

Greensboro 's social organizations are numerous — -embracing among 
their members many of the best men and women in the State. These 
organizations and clubs are doing much good — keeping the people of 
the entire city in touch with each other, and enabling the strangers 
within her gates to find congenial friends and associates; and to these 
organizations much of the city 's reputation for sociability is due, and 
the ■ ' at-home ' ' feeling, so generally commented upon by visitors and 
new citizens. 

Among these organizations are: The United Confederate Veterans; 
United Daughters of the Confederacy; Daughters of the American 
Revolution; The Women's Christian Temperance Union; Baptist 
Young People's Union; the Epworth League; Church Missionary 
Societies of the several churches; Medical Society; Dental Associa- 
tion; Greensboro Gun Club; Young Women's Christian Association; 
the Spinster Girls; the Reviewers' Club; Friday Afternoon Book Club; 
Wednesday Afternoon Book Club; The Saus Souci Club; Edgeworth 
Book Club; Kensington Club; Gun Club; Greensboro Art Club. 

The State Council of North Carolina Daughters of Liberty was 
organized in Greensboro, April 7, 1904. This new association had at 
date of organization thirteen councils with a membership of seven 
hundred in the State. The Daughters of Liberty are lady Juniors, or 
rather work under the auspices of the .Junior Order United American 
Mechanics. 

The city has its share of secret benevolent orders — among them the 
following: Masonic; Odd Fellows; Junior Order United American 
Mechanics; Knights of Pythias; Benevolent and Protective Order of 
Elks; Typographical Union; Iron Moulders' Union; Carpenters' Union; 
Brick-masons' Union. 



Greensboro Industrial and Immigration Association 

This association was organized in 1895 by a number of the most 
progressive business men of the city, in order to obtain organized effort 
in the promotion of industrial enterprises then in operation, and to 
lay before the world the great advantages possessed by Greensboro 
and the country immediately surrounding it. The vast amount of 



104 GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 

good that has been done by this organization could not be told in this 
sketch book. Its untiring and systematic efforts in enlarging old enter- 
prises and developing new ones, have marked an epoch in the history 
of the city. The city appropriates annually $500 to aid in its work. 
If interested in Greensboro or desiring any information about it, or 
seeking a good place for a business enterprise of almost any branch 
of industry, or a home for your family, where the best of church, 
school, and social advantages can be had — in a healthful town, write 
to the secretary of this association. 

The present executive officers are: C. G. Wright, president; G. A. 
Grimsley, secretary. 



The Business Men's Association is also doing much good. Its presi- 
dent is P. D. Gold, Jr. Write him if interested. 



The Audubon Society 

The young ladies of the State Normal and Industrial College, of 
Greensboro, were the first to organize an Audubon Society in North 
Carolina. This was in 1902, and it struck a chord in the hearts of the 
people of the State, and today it is a chartered State organization 
and doing much good in the way of protecting the game birds. T. 
Gilbert Pearson is State Secretary, and John S. Cunningham, presi- 
dent; elected at the second annual meeting held in Greensboro, in 
March, 1904. 



LiNDLEY Park 



Lindley Park — at the southwestern terminus of the electric railway, 
two and one-half miles from the city, comprises a beautiful tract of 
twenty-six acres of land, well shaded in native trees; also fine springs 
of water, a large artificial lake for boating, a neat casino and dance 
pavilion — all lighted with incandescent electric lamps. Tuis is an ideal 
place for health or pleasure seekers, and adjoins the far-famed nur- 
series and greenhouses of J. Van Lindley, whose reputation as a nur- 
seryman and florist is generally known by the lovers of fruits and 
flowers. He donated the land for this park, and the electric company 
did wisely in thus perpetuating his generosity by naming the park 
after him. 



Cone Athletic Park 

Cone Athletic Park is not the least, by far, of the attractions of 
Greensboro. It is on Summit Avenue and embraces several acres of 



GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 105 

land, well arranged and adapted for games of baseball, foot ball, and 
other field sports. Many noted games have been played here by local, 
as well as teams from this and other States. 



Fisher Park 

Fisher Park embraces nineteen acres of well-wooded land on the 
northern suburbs of the city. It was a gift to the city by B. J. Fisher 
in 1891, and when improved will be a beautiful resort. 



Fires 

In 1849 Greensboro had its first fire of any moment, which came 
nearly destroying the business part of the city. J. B. Lossing, who 
was going from the battlegrounds of Alamance to Guilford Court- 
house, m his "Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution", reached 
Greensboro, January 2, 1849, and remarks: 

"Very few villages in the interior of the State appeared more like 
a northern town than Greensboro. The houses are generally good and 
the stores give evidence of active trade. Within an hour after my 
arrival, the town was thrown into commotion by the bursting out of 
flames from a large frame dwelling a short distance from the court- 
house. There being no fire engine in the city the flames spread rapidly, 
and at one time menaced the safety of the whole town. A keg of 
powder was used without effect to demolish a tailor shop, standing 
in the way of the conflagration towards a large tavern. The flames 
passed on until confronted by one of those broad chimneys on the 
outside of the house, so universally prevalent in the Soutn, when it was 
subdued, after four buildings were destroyed. I never saw a popula- 
tion more thoroughly frightened; and when I returned to my lodgings, 
far away from the fire, every bed was packed ready for flight." 

These four houses alluded to were owned by George Albright and 
occupied the ground between the old frame building now standing 
(which Mr. Lossing called a large hotel) and the Bevill building on 
East Market street. Andrew Weatherly also lost a small house which 
stood where the Bevill building now is. The fine trees on the south 
side of the street saved the whole of the square — containing the Peter 
Adams, C. N. McAdoo, and Caldwell corner — all wood. 

Soon after this fire the town bought General Greene, the hand-brake 
or pumping engine, and put in four cisterns — one at each of the four 
pumps which stood in the middle of Elm and Market streets, about 
one hundred feet from the old court-house. 



106 



GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 



In 18o3, March 16, the Yates building (now vacant lot), corner 
Greene and West Market streets was burned. A frame building on 
the same corner was burned several years previous. 




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August, 1863, Greensboro Female College was burned, when fully 
two hundred girls were attending school there. It was burned again 
February 18, 1904. 



GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 107 

June, 1872, the county court-house was burned, as was W. C. Por- 
ter's drug store (where fire started), Southern hotel, Farmers' bank 
building, next to the drug store, two rows of frame law otfices, one west 
and the others north of the court-house. 

In the same year Edgeworth Female Seminary, at that time used 
as a residence by Julius A. Gray, was destroyed by fire. 

In 1875, Sloan 's store and Baptist church on South Elm street, about 
opposite Odell & Company's building. 

In 1900, Sergeant 's foundry was burned. 

In 1897 Benbow's store, corner South Elm and Sycamore streets. 

In 1888, May 27, the old market house and city hall was burned. 
City records all destroyed. 

In 1899, June 17, the Benbow House (now Guilford) was partially 
destroyed. 

In 1904, January 13, W. E. Bevill 's building on the corner of 
Gaston and North Elm streets. 

1904 — Katz building — opposite Hotel Guilford, was partially 
destroyed. 

In 1904, January 21, the dormitory of the North Carolina State 
Normal and Industrial College was burned. 

In 1904, February 18, Greensboro Female College was burned the 
second time. 



Fire Protection 



Now Greensboro is as well equipped to fight fire successfully as any 
town in the State. The first volunteer fire company was organized in 
1849, and used a hand-brake or pumping engine, named General 
Greene. In 1884 the chemical engine was purchased. In 1885 the La 
France steamer was purchased. The Hook and Ladder Company was 
organized in 1890; Eagle Hose Company in 1891; Southside Hose Com- 
pany in 1894; West End Hose Company in 1897; Excelsior Hose Com- 
pany composed of colored men was organized about 1892. In 1896 
the Gamewell Fire Alarm system was installed. In 1904 the second 
La France steamer, No. 3, was purchased. It will throw two one- 
and-one-eighth-inch streams, while the first steamer throws only one 
one-inch stream. 



Free Public Library 

In 1901 a canvass of Greensboro was made tor funds to establish a 
Free City Library. Mr. G. A. Grimsley, chairman of the State Library 
Association, was the leader of the movement, and the subscription was 



108 GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 

started with a gift of $500 from Mr. E. P. Wharton. The result of a 
remarkably general and cheerful subscription of citizens was $3,000. 

The city aldermen then appointed, under the Scales Library Act, 
a board of six directors to organize and control the library: Dr. L. 
W. Crawford, chairman; Mr. Howard Gardner, secretary and treasurer; 
Mr. G. A. Grimsley, Mr. E. E. Bain, Mr. E. P. Wharton, and Mr. J. N. 
Longest. The aldermen also donated three rooms on the third floor 
of the city hall for the library's use, together with lights and heat. 

With the $3,000 subscription these directors purchased furniture, 
periodicals, and books, paying for the cataloguing of the latter under 
the Dewey Decimal Classification system. 

In a mass meeting on February 4, 1902, the library was formally 
presented to the city by the subscribers and on February 5, opened 
to the public with one thousand four hundred and ninety catalogued 
books, two hundred and fifty public documents (not catalogued), 
thirty-two periodicals, and three daily papers. 

At the close of two years' work the library had two thousand one 
hundred and fifty-three catalogued books, three hundred and seventy- 
five public documents, forty monthly and weekly periodicals, and six 
daily papers. Its reference work had shown a steady and gratifying 
increase from the beginning, and its circulation had averaged two 
thousand volumes per month. During this time many valuable dona- 
tions had been received from interested friends and the city, since 
March, 1902, has made an annual appropriation of $1,200 for the 
library's support. 

On the thirty-first of December, 1903, the city decided to accept 
the generous offer of a $30,000 Free Public Library from Mr. Andrew 
Carnegie. This magnificent structure will be erected as soon as 
the library directors shall have secured a suitable location, and the 
appropriation from the city will be increased to $3,000 per year. It 
has been located corner West Gaston and North Ashe streets. 



Central Carolina Fair 
This fair which was organized chiefly by the citizens of Greensboro 
and Guilford county, held its first fair in October, 1899, and annually 
ever since, comprises thirty-two acres of land. On these grounds is 
one of the finest race tracks in the South and the races attract many 
of the owners of fine stock every year. The track is of regulation 
shape, half mile. The grand stand will seat three thousand people, 
who have a fine view of the horses from start to finish. Two large, 
well-arranged buildings are used for displays of art, agricultural 
machinery, and farm products, with stock sheds, pens, etc. The com- 
pany is a chartered one, and the officers are elected annually. The offi- 
cers for 1904 are: President, Dr. J, T. J. Battle; secretary, John W. 
Cook; Treasurer, Neil Ellington. 



GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 109 

Greensboro Hospitals 

The first effort to give Greensboro a hospital was made in 1890, 
when the King's Daughters erected an eight-room building on Greene 
street, fitted up six wards, employed a skilful nurse and for several 
years kept its doors open to the needy, as well as pay patients. The 
incorporators of this association were: Misses Bettie Caldwell, Pattie 
Caldwell, Clara Albright, Addie Donnell, Daisy Caldwell, Nannie 
Caldwell, Myra Alderman, Rusie Wilson, Lina Newlin, Mary Newlin — 
all of this city. This building cost $2,500; much of the money was made 
by the young ladies, and the remainder contributed by the citizens 
of the town. The building will be sold, and the rents since closing 
will be donated to equip a ward in the magnificent hospital being 
erected on Summit Avenue by the Sisters of Charity. 

Greensboro Hospital, on South Greene street, was opened June, 
1902, by Drs. J, T. J. Battle, E. R. Michaux, Chas. Roberson, W. J, 
Meadows, A. F. Fortune, and J. P. Turner. These gentlemen are 
among the leading practitioners of the city and their success has been 
very great. 

These hospitals did much towards relieving the wants of the sick 
and wounded; but something better, larger, and more in keeping with 
the rapid growth of the city was needed, and in 1903 the Sisters of 
Charity secured a lot on Summit Avenue, six hundred and thirty-two 
feet front; three hundred feet deep; five hundred feet rear, and are 
building a modern hospital with ample accommodations for sixty-four 
patients. It will open the first of 1905. The work of this society 
embraces the whole country, and not less than forty-eight hospitals 
are now in operation in the United States. 

This hospital is named St. Leo 's Hospital, and the corner stone was 
laid June 15, 1904. 



The Keeley Institute 

The Keeley Institute, which was established in Greensboro in 1891 
by Judge W. H. Eller, has become an institution of more than local 
reputation. Hundreds of people, from every walk of life, are living 
testimonials of the wonderful discovery of Leslie Keeley, M. D., LL. 
D., which revolutionized the public mind, and now the victim of alco- 
hol is no longer regarded as a criminal, but as a patient whose cure can 
readily be accomplished by proper treatment. The buildings of this 
institution are located within five minutes' walk of the railroad depot 
and postoffice; and in a large grove of native oaks (the former home 
of Governor Morehead), giving the place a restful appearance, which is 



110 GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 

conducive and suggestful of that quite and repose which persons 
afflicted with nerve exhaustion and physical weakness so much need. 
The manager of the Greensboro Institute is C. D. Cunningham. 



Greensboro as a Convention Town 

In 1857 the American party (or Whig) held its State convention 
in Greensboro, and placed in nomination Honorable John A. Gilmer, 
for governor, but he was defeated by Thomas Bragg, democrat. This 
convention was held in a new tobacco warehouse which stood on Ashe 
street about where Buchanan street enters it. 

In 1900 the Republican party met in the city, and placed in nomina- 
tion a State ticket with Spencer B. Adams for governor; he was 
defeated by Chas. B. Aycock, democrat. 

In 1902 the largest and most enthusiastic democratic State conven- 
tion ever held in the State assembled in the city and nominated for 
Chief Justice, Walter Clark, and for Associate Justices, Henry G. Con- 
nor and P. D. Walker; J. Y. Joyner, for Superintendent of Public 
Instruction. The republicans nominated T. G. Hill for Chief Justice; 
and D. A. Long for Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

In 1904 the republican State convention met in Greensboro, on May 
18, and nominated C. J. Harris, of Dillsboro, for Governor, and a full 
State ticket. 

In 1904, June 23, the Democratic convention met in Greensboro, 
and nominated a full State ticket with Robert B. Glenn, of Winston, 
for Governor, and Francis D. Winston for Lieutenant-governor. 

The State Sunday-school convention met in the city April 27, 1904, 
in its twenty-first annual session. N. B. Broughton, of Raleigh, presid- 
ing in the absence oi President R. N. Simms. 



General Andrew Jackson 

Without wishing to enter into the controversy as to the birth-place 
of General Andrew Jackson, the writer merely wishes to say, the 
Minute Docket of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Guilford 
county (now in the clerk's office in Greensboro), for the years 1781- '88, 
page 234 — this entry was made: "Andrew Jackson produced a license 
from the judges of the Superior Court of Law and Equity to practice 
law and was admitted as an attorney of this court, November 21, 
1787." 



CHAPTER XV 

GUILFORD BATTLEGROUND 

In 1857, October 29, a ' * Greene Monument Association ' ' was organ- 
ized with Governor John M. Morehead as president, and Honorable 
John M. Dick, Eev. Eli W. Caruthers, and others as vice-presi- 
dents. The object of this association was to build a monument in the 
city to perpetuate the memory of General Nathaniel Greene; but the 
civil war soon came on and Governor Morehead died, and no more 
was heard of this project. 

But, fortunately for the city, the State, the nation — and all future 
generations. Judge David Schenck became a citizen of Greensboro, 
and to him chiefly belongs the credit of all that has been done towards 
beautifying the scene of the "battle of Guilford Court-house." This 
noble, patriotic idea of his was formulated into a tangible act of 
incorporation by the legislature, May 6, 1887, in which the following 
were named as incorporators: J. W. Scott, Thos. B. Keogh, Julius 
A. Gray, D. W. C. Benbow, and David Schenck, under the name of 
' ' Guilford Battleground Company. ' ' This company was organized 
May 6, 1887, when David Schenck was elected president; J. W. Scott, 
treasurer, and T. B. Keogh, secretary. 

On this sacred ground, March 15, 1781, General Nathaniel Greene, 
commanding the American forces, met the British under command of 
Lord Cornwallis. The British held the field one night, but on the next 
morning took up the line of march for Wilmington, with General 
Greene in pursuit. General Washington was interested enough in 
this battlefield to visit it June 2, 1791. 

About one hundred acres of land were purchased, and the work of 
beautifying the grounds began. Besides the marking of the lines of 
the opposing forces of Lord Cornwallis and General Greene, a num- 
ber of monuments have been placed upon this ground sacred to the 
lovers of liberty. 



A plain shaft bears this inscription: "Three Continental soldiers 
rest here." 

The remains of Captain James Tate, were removed from New 
Garden, where he fell, and a granite shaft erected. 

A five-foot shaft bears this inscription: "Lieutenant-Colonel 'Hall' 
Dixon of Caswell county, North Carolina, who died from wounds July 
17, 1782." 



112 



GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 



Near this is a marble slab with this inscription: "Major John 
Davis, one of the well-tried patriots of the Revolution, who died 
October 12, 1804." 




To Captain Arthur Forbes, of Guilford county, who was wounded 
in this battle and died, this slab was erected by McGilliard & Huske, 
quarrymen of Kernersville, N. C. 




The remains of Brigadier-General Jethro Sumner, were removed from 
Warren county, and a slab "to the memory of General Jethro Sumner, 
one of the heroes of '76", was placed over the remains. 



GREENSBORO— 1S08-1904 



113 



A diamond-shaped block of granite has this inscription: "Gillies, 
Light Horse Harry Lee 's bugler boy. Erected by the literarj^ society 
of Oak Ridge Institute." 

One old Continental six-pounder cannon stands in front of a neat 
brick building, thirty by thirty, known as ' ' Schenck Museum ' ', in 
which are many relics of the great struggle for liberty. 




THE SCHENCK MONUMENT 

The Schenck monument, which was unveiled .July 4, 1904, has the 
following inscription: 

DAVID SCHENCK 

The projector of this battlefield 's reclamation, and organizer and 

first president of the Guilford Battle Ground 

Company, 1835—1902. 

The tomb of Nathaniel Macon is a huge block of undressed granite, 
four by six feet, and his name is carved upon it, with these words: 
"Nathaniel Macon willed that his memorial should consist only of 
rude stones — here they lie." 



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GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 



A monument tweutv-five feet high, with a life-size statute in bronze, 
bears this inscription: "William Hooper and John Penn, delegates 
from North Carolina to the Continental congress in 1776. They signed 
the Declaration of Independence. Hewes' grave, the other signer 
from North Carolina is unknown. The remains of the two named were 
re-interred here in 1894. 




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The Holt monument, erected by Governor Thomas M. Holt, in 1893, 
reads: *'In memory of the North Carolina troops from Wilkes and 
Surry counties, under Major Joseph Winston, Jesse Franklin, and 
Richard Talliaf erro, who were fighting the Hessians and Tarletou 's 
cavalry near this spot after the Continentals had retreated from the 
field of battle, March 15, 1781. ' ' 

The Maryland Historical Society contributed a monument of rough 
granite, which was placed in position October 12, 1892, under the 
supervision of President David Schenck. On this stone, on brass 
tablets, is the Coat of Arms of Maryland, and on the other side this 
inscription: "Maryland's tribute to her heroic dead. Erected, by 
members of the Maryland Historical Society, in memory of the sol- 
diers of the Maryland line, 178i-1892. Non Amnis Moriar. " 



GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 115 

"Battle Monument", chiefly through the instrumentality of Gov- 
ernor A. M. Scales, is a pyramidal arch, built of square blocks of gran- 
ite, capped with a cannon ball, bearing the inscription: "Guilford 
Battleground, Thursday, March 15, 1781." 

On the ground is a museum with many interesting relics, a beautiful 
artificial lake, a large pavilion, and a keeper's lodge. It is a lovely 
spot of ground and is a fashionable resort in the summer for Greens- 
boro, being only five miles distant, on the railroad to Mt. Airy. On 
the fourth of each July, appropriate services are held here. 

A block of polished marble, donated by the National Marble Com- 
pany of Murphy, N. C, has the following: The battle of King's 
Mountain, fought October 7, 1780, was the turning point in the 
Revolution. General Charles McDowell, Colonels Isaac Shelby, 
John Sevier, James Williams (South Carolina), Benjamin Cleveland, 
Majors Joseph Winston, Hambrite, Wm. Christly. 

In 1900 a monument was erected on the battleground by Colonel 
James T. Morehead, Joseph M. Morehead, and Captain R. T. Gray. To 
Captain James Morehead, who was a great-uncle of Colonel J. T. and 
J. M. Morehead, and a great-great-uncle of Captain Gray. It bears on 
a bronze tablet this inscription: "To Captain James Morehead, of 
the Tenth Regiment North Carolina Continental Line, battle of Stono, 
June 20, 1779. Elizabethtown, July, 1781. Born 1750. Died 1885." 

A monument to Mrs. Veren Happuck Turner, mother of Elizabeth, 
the wife of Joseph Morehead, of North Carolina, grandmother of James 
and John Morehead, young soldiers under General Greene. She rode 
on horseback from her home in Maryland to nurse a wounded son. A 
life-size figure of a woman in bronze is mounted on a ten-foot shaft. 
This tribute was erected uy J. T. and J. M. Morehead, of Greensboro, 
and is believed to be the only monument to a woman on a battlefield. 

The most conspicuous shaft is thirty feet high and was erected by 
Governor T. M. Holt, with this inscription: "The battle of Alamance 
was fought in Orange county, sixteen miles south-east of Greensboro, 
May 16, 1771. Twelve regulars were condemned to be hung at Hills- 
boro, June 19, 1771. James Pugh, Robert Maitar, Benjamin Merrill 
and Captain Matiar were hanged." This shaft has a heroic bronze 
figure of a Continental soldier, with musket. A tablet has James Pugh 
with a rope around his neck and his feet upon a barrel. 



The "Battle of the Regulators" as it is generally called, was fought 
May 16, 1771, in Alamance County, sixteen miles south-east of Greens- 
boro. It was the first organized military resistance to British tyranny. 
On July 4, 1879, a shaft of granite was unveiled on the site of this 
battle. Daniel Albright Long, who was one of the leading citizens in 
procuring the erection of the monument, made the opening speech. 



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GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 



Governor D. G. Fowle, Colonel T. M. Holt, Honorable D, F. Caldwell, 
and others delivered addresses. The monument is twenty feet high, 
and is inscribed as follows: North side — "Here was fought the battle 




THE COLONIAL MONUMENT 



of Alamance, May 16, 1771, between the British and the Regulators"; 
east side— "1880"; south side— "First Battle of the Revolution"; 
west side — Crossed cannons, under which is the word "Liberty". 



GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 117 ' 

A very large number of ladies and gentlemen were present, among 
them the writer; and an old fashioned Fourth of July celebration and 
basket picnic was held. 



Since the death of Jvidge Schenck, on August 26, 1902, Major 
Joseph M. Morehead, has been president of the association, and 
worthily kept the Battleground before the public and done much 
to make it what it is today. By resolution of the board of directors 
this beautiful park, which is the only site of a battle of the Revolu- 
tionary war now preserved — was tendered to the national govern- 
ment free of cost, and a bill has been introduced in the House of 
Representatives by Congressman W. W. Kitchin, of the Fifth District, 
authorizing its acceptance. And Senator Aldrich, of Rhode Island, has 
introduced a bill to erect a memorial shaft to General Greene. Con- 
gress has made an appropriation of $10,000 for the erection of monu- 
ments to Generals Wm. Lee Davidson and Francis Nash, and chiefly 
through the efforts of Major Morehead they will be erected on the 
Battleground. 



APPENDIX 



OAK RIDGE INSTITUTE 

This noted seat of learning can attribute its inception to such men 
as Dr. John Saunders, Jesse and Thomas Benbow, James B. Clark, 
Samuel Donnell, and Allen Lowrey, who in 1852 decided that here was 
a good place for a school; and under the tutorship of Eev. D. E. Burton, 
Professors John M. Davis and Thos. S. Whittington it was successfully 
operated until the call to arms was made in 1861, when every student 
volunteered to follow the Southern cross. In 1866 the first building 
was burned; but Chas. Case, W. O. Donnell, Thos. Graham, John F. 
Holt, J. N. Nelson, John King, Swift Brown, and others rebuilt the 
school-house. In 1875 it passed into the hands of Professors J. A. and 
M. H. Holt, the present owners, who purchased it in the early eighties. 

The old building was only twenty-four by sixty-four, two stories 
high, but as the patronage demanded it has been added to by modern 
and up-to-date buildings, such as Saunders Hall, Oakhurst Hall, and 
Holt Hall, built in 1892. It is one of the handsomest school buildings 
in the State, and all the furnishings are first-class and modern. For 
twenty-eight years Oak Eidge Institute has been the leading training 
school for the boys of Virginia and the two Carolinas, and thousands 
of young men have gone out from this school and now occupy promi- 
nent positions as bankers, merchants, manufacturers, preachers, and 
State and county officials. 

In 1891 Oak Eidge Institute was incorporated, and capitalized with 
a stock of $51,600. 

Two hundred and eighty-five boys and young men were enrolled last 
year, but three hundred can find ample accommodation. Over five 
thousand have received instruction under the present management. 

Oak Eidge Institute is in northern Guilford county; fifteen miles 
from Greensboro; over one thousand feet above sea level; only forty 
minutes from railroads on each side of it; twelve passenger trains 
daily; telephone connection with Kernersville; and only a few minutes 
by rail from Greensboro and Winston-Salem. It enjoys a salubrious 
climate, happily situated between the North and the South and 
between the mountains and the sea. 

The Messrs. Holt are Guilford men, and at one time were residents 
of Greensboro, and the continually increasing patronage of the school 



GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 



119 



is due to their indomitable energy, high Christian character, and 
acknowledged ability to make of her sons just such men as North 
Carolina must have if she sustains her present high rank among the 
States of our great and expanding Union. The address of the Institute 
is Oak Ridge, N. C. 




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VOLUNTARY MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS, AND TROOPS 

IN CONFEDERATE STATES ARMY 

The Guilford Guards was the first militarv organization in Greens- 
boro, and existed from about 1840 to 1855. Robert G. Lindsay, who 



120 GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 

was a West-Pointer, was its first captain, and he was succeeded by 
John Sloan, youngest brother of R. M. Sloan ("Uncle Bob"). 

It is impossible to get a correct history of this fine old company — but 
its handsome blue uniform — trimmed with yellow; its gorgeous hats, 
made of leather, and about the size and shape of a fire-bucket — will 
ever remain fresh in the memory of the children of Greensboro who 
lived tlu'rp during the days from 1840 to 1855. The tall and graceful 
forms of such men as ' ' Uncle Bob ' ' Sloan, David Kersey, Samuel R. 
Shelton (now of Covington, Tenn.), and T. M. Woodburn, being the 
tallest; while John A. Pritehett, Wm. Swain, with some thirty others, 
made the company, which was the peer of any in its day. 

This company was succeeded by the Guilford Grays, which was 
Company B, Twenty-seventh Regiment North Carolina troops, with 
John Sloan as captain; Wm. Adams, first lieutenant; James T. More- 
head, second lieutenant; John A. Gilmer, third lieutenant; John E. 
Logan, M. D., surgeon. This company left Greensboro April 18, 1861, 
and served through the four years ' war between the States. 

The Guilford Grays re-organized under the conscript act, and 
Captain John Sloan having been elected colonel of the Twenty- 
Seventh Regiment, Wm. Adams was elected captain. He was killed at 
Sharpsburg, September 17, 1862, and John A. Sloan was elected 
captain, who remained in command until the surrender at Appomattox, 
April 9, 1865. From its organization until the surrender, the muster 
roll of the Grays showed one hundred and eighty names. The follow- 
ing were present and answered roll-call at Appomattox: Captain John 
A, Sloan, Lieutenant Rufus B. Gibson; Sergeants Thos. J. Rhodes and 
Joel J. Thom, and privates Peter M. Brown, Lewis N. Iseley, James 
M. Hardin, Walter Greene, E. T. Thorpe, Geo. W. Lemons, Silas C. 
Dodson, and Samuel M. Lipscomb. 

In 1881, the Grays were re-organized, with Neil Ellington as captain. 
He was succeeded by Percy Gray. 

The Gate City Guards was the next military organization in Greens- 
boro, with R. M. Albright as captain. Upon his promotion to major 
of the Third Regiment of State Guards, H. S. Hobgood was elected 
captain. 

Captain R. Percy Gray raised a company for the Spanish-American 
war, with E. L. Gilmer and John S. Cator as lieutenants. The company 
was mustered out November 12, 1898. Lieutenant Gilmer is still in the 
United States Army. 

Captain David Gilmer, colored, raised a company for the war with 
Spain, and is now doing duty in the Philippines; but his company was 
mustered out February 4, 1899. 



GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 121 

TROOPS IN CONFEDERATE ARMY FROM GUILFORD 

COUNTY, AS GIVEN IN THE STATE 

ROSTER, BY MOORE 




This is published by request, and it is a matter of regret that it is 
so incomplete, (k) stands for killed; (d) for died during service. 

Second Regiment; Company E — J. Henry Morehead (d), captain; 
promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel Forty-fifth Regiment; Henry C. Gor- 
rell (d), captain; .Joseph M. Morehead, first lieutenant; Jas. T. Scales, 
John M. Hobson, second lieutenants; non-commissioned ofl&cers — John 
R. McLean (d), Jas. M. McLean (k), W. D. Smith, L. W. Harrington, 
E. A. J. Heath (d), R. F. Ryan (k), Ed. Taylor (d); privates— Jas. 
Adams, E. Banyes, J. Banyes (k), Wm. Bell, T. E. Benson (d), J. T. 
Booth, J. J. Cain, M. Coffey, D. P. Coble (d), M. Cody, C. L. Copelaud, 
(d), W. A. Core, J. Dillon, J. Derothy, J. Duncan, A. Ellington (k), 
J. H. Fitts (d), H. Fitts, T. F. Fitzgerald (d), W. Fitzgerald (k), S. 
Foster, J. Foulkes, R. W. Fowler, H. Garrett, Ralph Gorrell, W. Gray, 
L. Hackett, W. Harris (d), Asa Houlett (d), E. Hudson, J. Holbrook, 
E. Huffman (d), H. Jackson, (d), H. M. Jones (d), Thos King, Alf 
King, J. C. Kirkman, J. W. Lee, S. M. Lewis (d), J. Lloyd, N. May, 
J. Marlow, O. May, A. H. Murray (d), R. Newell, W. Pegram, J. W. 
Pegram, J. L. Pitchford, L. Pegram (d), D. Parrish, A. Peoples, D. W. 
Phipps, (d), A. Pugh (d), P. Reynolds, H. Robertson (k), Wm. Scott, 
W. E. Sheppard (d), A. Silvey (d), M. G. Smith (k), M. M. Smith (k), 
J. R. Somers (k), A. Southard, D. Southard (d), E. Southard, N. Stan- 
ley, G. C. Steel, W. A. Thompson (d), D. Turner, A. Taylor (k), J. H. 
Tatum, Thos. Taylor (d), Robt. Thomas, B. Walls, David Whitt, M. 
Wood, H. A. Work, C. Whittington, N. White. 



122 GEEENSBOEO— 1808-1904 

Nineteenth Cavalry; Company F — B. F. Cole, captain; P. A. Tatum, 
captain; N. C. Tucker, first lieutenant; J. A. Hooker, second lieutenant; 
non-commissioned officers — J. A. Stradler, E. C. Ozment, C. P. Van- 
story, J. Allen, E. W. Donnell, W. S. Lee, T. P. Dillon, A. S. Lee, J. W. 
Lambeth, W, D. Edwards, A. T. Allen, W. Ayers, M. Ayscott, Jesse 
Aydlett, W. E. Ball, T, F. Buchanan, G. W, Briggs, J .D. Climer, Y. S. 
Correll, P. I. Crowell, J. W. Durham, Alf. Edwards, M. Farrington, 
E. Frazier, J. Fields, O. Galliniore, W. F. Godsey, P. Gordon, J. E. 
Green, J. F. Griffin, W. F. Holden, A. G. Hedgecock, D. W. Jones, G. A. 
Jones, E. Jacobs, J. W. Jeffreys, A. W. Kirkman, D. M. Michaux, H. 
Maden, G. McClintoch, D. F. McKinney, G. McKinney, J. Massey, J. 
Newell, J. S. Ozment, D. G. Pegram, J. W. Eich, G. W. Eich, A, 
Eayales, E. M. Scott, J. Scott, M. A. Short, E. W. Sanders, J. A. 
Sapp, E. H. Sapp, A. G. Sapp, J. W. Tucker, C. A. Tucker, A. P. Terry, 
E. C. Townsend, John Vanstory, A. Walker, O. A. G. Wood, C. W. 
White, J. B. White, N. G. Westbrook, G. D. Weatherly, W. H. Wat- 
lington, E. C. Young. [No casualties given.] 

Twenty-first Eegiment; Company M — Wm. L. Scott, captain; pro- 
moted to lieutenant-colonel; W. S. Eankin, captain; promoted to 
major; John E. Gilmer, first lieutenant; promoted to captain; Wilson 
S. Hill, John S. Dick, first lieutenants; John Doggett, Andrew Sumners, 
J. A. Cobb, S. F. Steward, second lieutenants; non-commissioned offi- 
cers— H. M. Clapp (d), L. W. Schenck, S. F. Steward, I. W. Garrett 
(d), O. E. Coble, E. A. Wilson (d); privates — H. Alexander, E. H. 
Alexander (d), J. P. Boon, L. H. Boon, H. G. Boon, W. P. Blackwell, 
J. H. Brittain, M. H. Black, M. Brothers (d), E. C. Buchanan (d), 
J. Blakely, Geo. Clapp, W. W. Cole, (d), J. H. Cobb (d), E. E. Cobb 
(d), F. A. Cobb, J. A. Cobb, G. W. B. Coble (d), G. Coble (d), E. S. 
Coble, J. L. Cummings (k), P. E. Clapp (d), E. P. Clapp (d), J. C. 
Clapp, H. C. Clapp, Frank Dick, E. W. Dobson (k), J. E. Devault 
(k), W. A. Elliott, J. A. Fryar, W. A. Forbis, C. H. Fields, J. M. 
Gant, T. J. Gant, M. Gerringer, J. S. Gerringer, W. Hockett, P. Har- 
vey, J. W. Hart (d), W. E. Huffines (d), J. A. Hubbard, H. Ingle, E. 
W. Ingle, J. Isley, S. Iseley, E. Kallum, D. M. Lincus, J. M. Lambeth 
(d), C. L. Lambeth, J. C. Layton (d), A. Lewey (d), J. A. Montgomery, 
M. B. May (d), J. Marshall (d), A. McPherson, J. M. McLean, J. N, 
Nelson, J. N. O 'Bryan, J. T, O 'Bryan, W. E. Parker, J. E. Pritchett, 
W. H. Eankin, D. W. Eeynolds (d), W. W. Sykes (d), W. E. Summers, 
(d), H. Summers, J. Summers, W. H. Stewart, E. M. Sockwell, D. 
Sockwell, J. A. Smith (d), J. Shoe, S. Soots, J. S. Shepherd, E. A. 
Stratford, J. S. Simpson (d), D. T. Simpson, W. E. Tickle, L. E. 
Tickle, E. H. Thomas, M. Wilson, (d), D. Waynick (d), W. Walls, 
D. Wagner, Jr., E. H. Wiley (k), F. M. Watson, J. M. Wilson, C. H. 
Wooten, J. M. Wyrick, J. M. Wright. 



GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 123 

Second Regiment; Companj^ E — Columbus C. Cole (killed at Wil- 
derness), captain; promoted to colonel; Chas. E. Harper (k), Joseph 
A. Hooper, M. M. Wolfe, R. W. Cole, each were captain; Chas. D. Har- 
per, A. J. Busick, first lieutenants; W. H. Faucett, J. M. Hanner, John 
X. Nelson (d), O. C. Wheeler, second lieutenants; non-commissioned 
officers — A. P. Charles, J. H. Marker, Shelly Hampton, P. W. Pratt, 
N. S. McClintock; privates — L. T. Albertson (d), L. W. Albertson, L. 
Apple, J. M. Anderson, L. Ai'ther (k), A. Archer (k), S. Gr. Andrew, 
J. Andrew, J. Arther (d), H. Archer, J. Aired, W. H. Beaver, D. W. 
Busick, C. Buchanan, W. S. Briggs, S. M. Brown, J. R. Bell, S. J. 
Burton, T. Bowen, S. Y. Baker (k), J. H. Bishop, W. H. Bosham, S. 
Bell, P. Bodenhamer (d), P. Brown, P. Bennett, A. D. Bragly, R. 
Crutchfield (d), J. H. Copeland, R. H. Croaeh, D. M. Clapp (d), H. 
Cook (k), J. R. Clark, C. C. Clark, J. C. Clark, T. Chrismon, A. G. 
Chipman (d), J. Dodd (k), W. H. Dean, Thos. Eads, B. Elliott, R. H. 
Enoch, A. Frazier, G. L. Frazier, J. R. Frazier, M. Farrington, W. A. 
Glenn, A. J. Goulding, J. R. Gerringer (k), W. M. Gj-issom, A. A. 
Gordon, J. A. Gordenhamer, H. C. Graham, W. Glenn, E. Gwyer, A. 
Gordon (d), Lewis Huffines, (d), T. Hancock (d), E. Horhey (d), E. 
J. Hunt, E. Hill, T. J. Hooper, M. A. Holt, F. M. Hooper (k), R. Hol- 
brook, H. Holbrook, G. W. Holt, W. B. Hall, Wm. Irvin, M. Jordan, 
I. W. Jackson, I. R. Jackson, H. Jones, P. Jones (k), J. W. Jackson, 
J. R. Jackson, J. R. Jester, N. S. Kellum, F. Kellum (k), J. F, Kellura, 
L. Loftin, J. Leonard, H. Long (d), R. Loftin (k), H. Little, J. Loftin, 
J. F. Lauglin, G. Lauglin, R. Long, W. R. Mendenhall (d), E. Meredith, 
J. Morgan (d), A. P. Maxwell (k), N. Martin (k), Jas. Martin (d), 
Jno. May (d), W. Michael, C. McQuan (d), E. McGhee (d), Jas. May 
(d), J. A. May, W. C. May, Jesse May, C. Michael, M. D. Madaris, E. 
Neal, W. G. Oliver, W. S. Oliver, W. C. Orrell, J. Oakley, I. Pegram, C. 
Parrish (d), A. Parrish, H. W. H. Poe (d), R. Parrish (d), J. F. 
Pegram, D. Powers, H. Poe, F. G. Ingram, J. T. Powers, C. C. Perkins, 
J. Pegre, P. W. Pratt, S. H. Pegram (d), J. L. Powers, J. G. Quacken- 
bush, Wm. Quait, J. Quackenbush, J. P. Quackenbush, W. H. Rayls, E. 
Riley (k), B. Roberts, A. A. Ross, M. A. Rich, D. Russell, J. P. Slack, 
F. E. Shaw, J. Stanley, J. B. Sleagall, W. B. Stack, J. W. Stack, A. F. 
Sapp (d), P. Smothers, G. Smothers, J. Suits (d), J. Sikes (d), S. 
Strunks, H. Shoe, T. J. Scott, N. Troliver, J. Vincent (d), W. F. 
Whittington, W. Whittington, G. W. Wolf, T. Wolf, J. Wood, H. Wade, 
H. Willoughby (d), S. Ward (d), A. L. Wade, J. H. Wilborne, E. 
Whitaker, W. Willoughby, M. W. Wyrick, H. Williams, H. Wrightin- 
berry (d), A. R. Wilson, O. C. Wheeler, J. Welch, J. W. Wiley (k), 
J. W. Yates (d), W. Young (d), I. Young. 

Twenty-seventh Regiment — John Sloan, J. A. Gilmer, colonels; 
Andrew D. Lindsay, orderly sergeant. 



124 GREENSBOEO— 1808-1904 

\ 

Company B (Guilford Grays)— John Sloan, captain; promoted to 
lieutenant-colonel; Wm. Adams, captain from first lieutenant; John 
A. Gilmer, to captain from second lieutenant, afterwards lieutenant- 
colonel; John A. Sloan, captain. Originally the lieutenants stood: 
Wm. Adams, first lieutenant; Rufus Gibson, Jas. T. Morehead, Sr., 
John A. Gilmer, second lieutenants; non-commissioned officers — W. P. 
Wilson, J. A. Sloan, Geo. W. Howlett, S. B. Jordan, Thos. J. Sloan, 
Benj. G. Graham, S. C. Dodson, Ed. B. Crowson; privates — A. Ayers, 
J. Ayers, W. Archer, W. D. Bryan, B. M. Brown, B. D. Brown, Henry 
Boone. R. G. Boling, B. Burnsides, W. Burnsides, H. Reitzell, H. M. 
Boone, J. H. Causey, C. M. Crowson, E. S. Cobb, A. F. Coble, H. Coble, 
A. Cheely, W. C. Clapp, S. W. Clapp, J. D. Collins, F. G. Chilcutt, H. 
Crider, J. Coltrain, R. D. Coltrain, J. Cannady, D. L. Clark, Paul 
Crutchfield, Chas. A. Campbell, W. D. Cook, Robt. Donnell, W. D. 
Dennis, Jas. Dennis, P. D. Dick, S. C. Dodson, J. S. Edwards, D. H. 
Edwards, J. M. Edwards, H. R. Forbis, H. L. Forbis, Quint Foust, W. 
Green, F. A. Gibson, W. Green, M. Gruber, J. H. Grant, S. B. Gray, 
T. B. Gibson, H. C. Gorrell, E. B. Higgius, S. H. Hiatt, G. D. Hines, 
L. G. Hunt, R. T. Hampton, W. F. Hunter, S. A. Hunter, J. M. Hardin, 
W. Hopkins, H. A. Hall, J. S. Hall, A. Hood, W. D. Hanner, W. A. 
Horney, W. J. Hunter, F. A. Hanner, S. S. Hiatt, J. N. Hardin, J. I. 
Hackett, R. Heath, L. N. Isley, D. M. Iseley, R. B. Jones, A. W. 
Klutts, H. G. Kellogg, F. N. Kirkman, W. N. Kirkman, R. H. Lindsay, 
E. B. Lindsay, A. D. Lindsay, J. H. Lindsay, S. M. Lipscomb, I. F. 
Lowe, G. W. Lemons, J. M. Lemons, L. S. Lineberry, T. E. Lloyd, J. 
T. Sockwell, John H. McKnight, W. D. McAdoo, John W. McNairy, 
J. W. McDowell, R. B. McLean, W. H, McLean, Jas. E. McLean, S. F. 
McLean, W. H. McFarland, J. M, Marsh, L. May, W. May, J. F. Mc- 
Cuistain, D. McConnell, J. M. Marsh, W. A. McBride, John W. Nelson, 
A. Orrell, W. F. Owen, J. A. Orrell, H. S. Puryear, W. A. Paisley, 
Samuel R. Pounce, L. L. Prather, W. E. Poe, C. E. Porter, James 
Pearce, J. N. Reid, J. Tom Rhodes, Henry Reightsell, E. W. Straford, 
C. Stratford, N. M. Sumner, Jesse S. Scott, W. C. Story, Andy L. Stan- 
ley, R. S. Smith, S. L Smith, B. W. Smith, R. L. Smith John H. Smith, 
Wm. Seals, P. Shepherd, E. F. Shuler, H. Suits, Geo. J. Sloan, Ed. G. 
Sterling, J. A. Siler, E. T. Sharp, Will U. Steiner, R. S. Smith, A. L. 
Stanley, Jas. D. Thomas, Daniel Turner, R. B. Tate, Joel J. Thorn, 
W. W. Underwood, Robert D. Weatherly, R. B. Woods, John E. Whar- 
ton, R. B. Worrell, Samuel P. Weir, Chas. W. Westbrook, T. M. Wood- 
burn, J. L. Wilson, ,T.. R. Winburn, J. W. Williams, Samuel R. Wiley, 
Stephen D. Winburn, Geo. H. Woollen, Samuel Young. 

The following are the names of the Grays who were killed: Wm. 
Adams, at Sharpsburg; W. D. Archer, Fredericksburg; Chas. A. Camp- 
bell, in skirmish in Virginia; Alfred F. Coble, Sharpsburg; Henry 



GEEENSBOEO— 1808-1904 125 

Cricler, Bristow Station; John Coltrain, Eeam 's Station; Jas. M. 
Edwards, Sliarpsburg; Henry C. Gorrell, Eichmond; Sam. E. B. Gray, 
Petersburg; W. L. I. Hunt, Cold Harbor; S. A. Hunter, Newbern; N. 
W. Kirkman, Petersburg; Ed. B. Lindsay, L. S. Lineberry, Wilder- 
ness; John H. McKnight, Bristow; Samuel F. McLean, "Wilderness; 
Daniel W. McConnell, Petersburg; E. L. Smith, Sharpsburg; John T. 
Lockwell, Bristow; Samuel P. Weir, Fredericksburg; Samuel S. Young, 
Sharpsburg. 

Forty-fifth Eegiment — John Henry Morehead was lieutenant-colonel; 
died at Martinsburg, Virginia, June 25, 1863; Jesse Harper Lindsay, 
adjutant. 

Company B — -Chas. E. Shober, captain; and promoted to lieutenant- 
colonel second battalion; Samuel C. Eankin was made captain; James 
M. Wharton, first lieutenant; C. W. Woolen, H. C. Willis, E. E. Saun- 
ders, second lieutenants; non-commissioned officers — Geo. A. Klutts, 
Jas. E. Oats, Eankin S. Tickle, James C. Bunch, John H. Eankin, W. 
H. Harrell, A. C. Lash; privates^ — Andrew Apple, James Apple, Wm. 
Adams, Wm. Bridges, Jesse W. Benson, Daniel Bowman, Wm. Bow- 
man, Euffin Brown, Alfred Brown, Alex. Brown (k). Wash. Britton 
(k), John Coble, W. M. Corwin, Cyrus C. Coffin, Simeon Casper, (d), 
Daniel M. Coble, Daniel M. Clapp, Jas. Please, A. L. Chesley, Daniel 
Cobb, Aaron Davis, W. D. Davis (d), Thos. L. Durham, Eobert H. 
Downe, Jno. W. Dunsay, H. A. Dillon, Andrew Deaton, N. E. Frazier, 
E. M. Fogleman, M. Fulp, Jas. Y. Fulp, Jas. M. Fowler, Wm. A. Far- 
mer, Wm. Guest, David Gryson, J. A. Ganny, Wm. Harrell, Ed Harrell, 
C. Harris, C. Hasket, E. Hayworth, N. Hunt, B. Irvin, T. W. Jennings, 
Jas. Jones, J. H. Killam, W. H. Killam (d), Chas. Klutts (d), A. J. 
King, W. W. Kirkman, S. Kersey, E. Kennedy, J. Kennedy, E. Kirk- 
man, E. W. Kirkman, N. Love, W. A. Lewis (d), C. A. Lewis, J. J. 
Landingham (k), H. Lovett, J. W. Lovett, C. W. Leonard, G. B. Little, 
Jas. M. Lamb, W. J. Lowrey (k), A. F. Long, W. P. McLean, Ed Mor- 
gan, M. A. May, F. M. McKinney, J. P. Moore, W. C. Mann, H. M. 
Mann, J. C. Mendenhall, L. McGee, W. L. Miller, A. Milloway, Jno. 
Melvin, T. Oliver, C. Ozment, Jas. Phipps, G. A. Phipps, L. A. Phipps, 
W. Parrish, W. A. Pegram, F. Parker, C. Peebles, E. Parton, N. H. 
Parker, J. M. Parker, J. Eobertson (d), W. C. Eoper, W. H. Eoss, J. F. 
Eoss (d), O. Eicks (d), J. Eiley, John H. Eankin, W. E. Eeynolds, 
J. H. Satterfield, H. Sikes (d), P. Smith, J. M. Smith, G. E. Smith, T. 
B. Scott, J. H. Smith (d), T. M. Stevens, A. W. Shields, W. P. Stanley 
(k), D. Steel, L. M. Wayneck, H. M. Wrenn, M. Wyrick, H. Wilson, 
H. Wood, O. Wheeler, A. C. Ward, W. A. Wheeler, J. D. Ward, E. 
Wood, C. G. Wright, Wm. Wheeler, J, W. York. (All the killed were 
at Gettysburg— 1863.) 



126 GEEENSBORO— 1808-1004 

Forty-fifth Eegiment; Company C — Jas. T. Morehead, captaiu; after- 
ward promoted to lieutenant-colonel of Fifty-third Regiment; Peter P. 
Scales (d), captain; R. L. Morehead, J. Henry Scales, first lieutenants; 
R. C. Donnell, second lieutenant; promoted to captain; non-commis- 
sioned ofecers — T. C. Davis, E. C. Causey (d), J. A. Case, Wm. Massey 
(k), David Morgan (k), J. C. Fields (k), J. C. Reid, S. Kirkmau, S. 

D. Knight; privates— A. Aired (d), P. Aired (d), J. Aired, J. C. 
Armfield, A. Andrews, Wm. Andrews, W. C. Boon, W. L. Bishop, B. 
Bishop, L. M. Barham, H. Brown, J. G. Brown, A. M. Bradshaw, Jeff 
Bradshaw, D. W. Breedlove (d), Geo. Canady, R. N. Causey, A. 
Causey, Doc Clapps (k), Jno. Cowans (k), N. B. Calhoun, W. Garden, 
Doc Edwards, P. Edwards, R, M. Elliott, "Wm. Farmer (d), D. Garrett, 
L. Grirfifin, C. Hanner, John Harden, Joseph Hardin, A. Holden (d), 
T. Howerton, H. Howerton (d), L. Harris (d), J. Harris, W. Holt, H. 
Haislip, J. Hemphill, I. Harvey, M. Ingold, H. James, W. Jones, J. 
Jones, W. A. Jeffries, J. Jackson, N. A. Jeffries, W. B. Kirkman (k), 

E. C. Kirkman, A. Killaman, S. Kine, J. B. Lee (d), F. M. Lee (d), 
C. Lemon (d), P. H. Lewis (k), J. Letheo, C. Layton, J. Long, W. R. 
May, 0. D. Martin, J. L. McLean, L. McMichael, J. Malcom, Cal Mor- 
gan, R. E. Merret, Wm. Mooney, W. Mclver, J. Marcelis, A. North, J. 
Ozmeut (d), W. Ozment, A. Ozment, H. Parsons, W. Pearmau, D. 
Pearman, T. J. Poe, H. Pritchard, J. H. Price (d), A. Quate, R. Quate, 
W. S. Riley, Wm. Read, H. Reid, W. i^. Eeid, I. Eumley, D. Reiley, T. 
Rieley, A. Robinson, L. L. Reid (d), J. H. Scales, S. A. Sutton, J. 
Simpson, J. D. Simpson, J. Shotwill, F. Snoffner, C. Smith, J. A. 
Smith (d), J. Shelton, S. S. Steele, S. Steele, Jr., Peter Steele, J. 
Story (d), Peter Summers, J. L. Scott, D. Shore, G. Stover, P. Thomas, 
S. Taylor (d), T. Vincent (d), W. White, J. R. Wright, W. C. White 
(d), Jno Witty, J. Whitley, J. Willet, J. M. Wilson, L. Woolen, J. 
Woollen, J. Wren, P. A. Wren, A. B. Wray, J. A. Woollen. 

Forty-sixth Regiment; Company F, was from Randolph, with A. C. 
McAllister, captain; and Samuel P. Weir, of Guilford, who was killed 
at Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1862, as first lieutenant. 

Fifth-third Regiment — James T. Morehead, colonel; from Forty- 
fifth Regiment. 

Fifty-third Regiment; Company A — A. P. McDaniel, captain; J. M. 
Sutton, first lieutenant; afterward captain; P. W. Halrick, S. E. Belk, 
W. R. Murray, first lieutenants; W. L. Fleming, second lieutenant; 
non-commissioned officers— J. T. Woolen, Robt. Wilson, J. W. Scott, 
J. L. Clapp, J. A. Tate, A. Ingle, R. A. Fleming, B. Presley, J. A. 
Ingold; privates — J. T. Andrews, Wm. Adams, J. Apple, M. W. Apple, 
B. Baldwin, J. Black, J. Boon, D. Barber, R. Cobb, W. G. Cobb, M. 
Cook, W. P. Cook, A. Cook, J. Cook, D. C. Clapp, J. A. Cobb, T. S. 



GEEENSBORO— 1808-1904 . 127 

Cummings, J. C. Clark, J. B. Davis, J. V. Devault, J. Fleming, Geo. 
Freeman, J. B. Forbis, E. Fitch (d), E. Forbis (d), T. Smith (d), 
J. Greeson, G. W. Gerriuger, P. R. Heath (d), W. R. Huffines, H. Huf- 
fines, S. Huffines, J. Huffines, D. Huffines, W. C. Hubbard, M. Ingle, 
A. Ingle, N. Isley, E. Iseley, J. Iseley, J. M. Job, A. Kirk, G. B. 
Kernodle, J. Lewis, J. Sockwell (d), A. May (d), S. May, W. L. May, 
J. May, D. May (d), F. Mullen, L. T. Montgomery, J. W. Montgomery, 
W. D. McAdoo, T. G. McLean, W. R. Murray, I. A. Neese, P. C. Neese, 
J. Neese, D. Overman, W. M. Phillippi, W. A. Phillippi (k), J. P. 
Phillippi (d), H. G. Royal, W. F. Reese, D. Shepherd, G. Shepherd (d), 
L. Shepherd (d), J. R. Sheppard, N. Sheppard, G. Sheppard, John 
Shepperd, W. R. Shepperd, Joel Shepperd, L. Shepperd, G. Shepperd, 
J. Stuart, P. L. Sutton, R. Sutton, J. M. Sutton, H. E. Swing, Sol 
Smith, N. Smith, Alex. Somers, P. R. Somers, J. Stephens, H. Stanley 
(d), L. G. Thompson, W. Tickle, G. S. Tickle (k), J. Troxler, G. Trox- 
ler, G. S. Troxler, Wm. Troxler, I. A. Woodward, M. S. Whittington, 
T. D. Whittington, R. Wilson, H. E. Wooten, P. Waynick, Eli York. 

Fifth-third Regiment; Company D — David Scott, Jr., captain j M. 
L. Efland, first lieutenant; Peter Doub, second lieutenant. (This 
company was made up from Cumberland, Stokes, and Forsyth; captain 
Scott living in Fayetteville at that time, and only the names of Guil- 
ford men are given.) Non-commissioned officers — W. H. White, O. 
P. Hobbs, G. W. Griffiths; privates — G. Alexander, W. Watson, Jas. 
Johnson, J. Mitchell, Cal Ozment, Nath. Ozment, Q. Powell, S. Brooks, 
J. M. Smith. 

Fifty-fourth Regiment; Company F — R. L. Hooper, captain; Joseph 
S. Ragsdale, first lieutenant; Ghas. W. Ogborn, Wm. H. Young, first 
lieutenants; non-commissioned officers — J. J. Garrett, Wm. Walker, B. 
W. Johnson, Samuel Stack, J. A. Andrews, W. H. H. Fields, L. L. 
Worthington, J. L. Johnson; privates — Pink Apple, D. A. Apple, Peter 
Apple, Jno. Brown, E. W. Brown, J. Brinsfield, A. Boyd, W. Bridges, 
G. F. Christman, B. Clark, Jas. Cumings, L. Clark, R. R. Dickens (d), 
R. P. Daly, S. Flack, W. Harris, Jas. Hughes, J. E. Hopkins, J. H. 
Ham, L. Holbrook, P. Hoyle, R. Knott, T. Kemer, T. Newell, A. 
Pegram, I. Peaden, J. L. Parrish, H. Parrish, Sr., H. Parrish, Jr., T. 
Parrish, Sam B. Reese, A. G. Short (d), R. R. Shepherd, H. Shepperd, 
J. C. Self, A. Sutton, J. W. Thomas, M. Thomas, .J. H. Tharp, A. N. 
Troxler. 

Sixty-third Regiment Cavalry; J. Turner Morehead, adjutant. Com- 
pany I- — Nat Rankin, captain; Sam Hanner, first lieutenants; Jas. Horn, 
D. R. Sockwell, second lieutenants; non-commissioned officers — B. C. 
Nelson, D. B. Coltrain, H. S. Cobb, Jeff Green; privates — W. G. Ander- 
son, G. W. Barbee, E. L. Bell, B. A. Brown, T. E. Caimes, J. Cooper, 



128 GREENSBOEO— 1808-1904 

S. F. Coe, W. E. Grimmer, E. A. Clare, Wm. Coble, R. C. Dick, A. C. 
Denny, Jos. Denny, T. D. Denny, S. W. Donnell, E. W. Forbes, J. C. 
Faucett, E. W. Gerringer, G. W. Gannon, J. G. Gannon, W. M. Gannon, 
S. G. Garner, J. W. Gerringer, J. G. Gray, W. D. Hamer, J. W. Hamer, 
D. B. Hardin, T. F. Hendrix, W. J. Hines, E. D. Hines, H. H. Holland, 

D. M. Hubbard, O. S. Banner, J. S. Haywood, N .F. Heath, W. F. 
Highfill, N. V. Hines (k), W. E. Kellum, J. H. King, M. Kirkman, D. 
W. Kirkman, Ed Lambert, E. T. Lambert, J. B. Minor, T. S. McNeeley, 
W. D. Maxwell, V. C. McAdoo, J. E. Paisley, J. W. Pugh, E. F. 
Pritchett, S. D. Phipps, Sam Phipps, M. Rumley, J. Eumley, W. N. 
Sikes, S. E. Stewart, A. W. Scott, D. C. Scott, D. W. Stratford, E. M. 
Sikes, F. M. Scott, W. H. Shaw, S. R. Stewart, A. B. Tate, G. E. 
Troxler, J. E. Troxler, W. P. Tyer, J. G. Wilson, J. W. Wilson, W. P. 
Wharton, J. W. Wiley, W. A. Woodburn. 

Sixty-third Eegiment; Company K — J. E. Wharton, captain; E. B. 
Lindsay, first lieutenant; W. T. Conner, W. D. Wharton, B. F. Sim- 
mons, second lieutenants; non-commissioned officers — J. E. Wilkinson, 
J. T. Pierce, E. Cameron, J. S. Alcorn, A. G. Jones; privates — A. 
Brewer, E. C. Brown, W. D. Brown, H. Burton, B. F. Cagle, J. M. 
Cagle, J. Cagle, A. Cook, A. G. Crates, J. Crabtree, K. Y. Crabtree, 

E. S. Dean, L. H. Dalton, Jas. Davis, G. M. Frazier, C. Fry, E. L. 
Fogleman, Jno. Fogleman, W. D. Glenn, E. Harris, S. H. Hampton, 
P. Hunt, W. M. Johnston (k), S. Lassiter, J. E. Morrison, A. Millo- 
way, N. E. Miller, D. W. Moser, B. Milliken, R. Martin, H. H. Parrish, 
A. J. Pierce, T. J. Poole, W. Eodgers, P. D. Smith, G. W. Summers, 
W. Stanley, E. Williams, S. York, W. F. York, E. L. York. 

Seventy-second Eegiment, Junior Eeserves; Company K — J. W. 
Pitts, captain; J. N. Crouch, first lieutenant; T. A. Parsons, Geo. M. 
Glass, second lieutenants; non-commissioned officers — David S. Eeid, 
W. W. King, W. E. Forbis, A. L. Sullivan, H. Tatum, A. Stephens, J. 

F. Eoberson, J. C. Pickens, W. T. Doggett; privates — Jno. Andrews, 
Obed Baynes, J. M. Brewer, C. R. Bevill, J. J. Busick, W. E. Bowman, 
J. Black, J. J. Brittain, P. L. Coble, Lee Cummings, J. L. Cox, J. W. 
Coe, Jesse Dillon, J. W. Eflin, Anderson Fogleman, Franklin Fogle- 
man, W. E. Forbis, A. M. Fogleman, Wm. Fields, Sol Fuller, W. E. 
Fulp, W. E. Gerringer, J. A. J. Green, Water Harris, Wm. Harris, 
Floyd Highfield, Henry Hutson, Franklin Jacks, N. Knight, Wm. 
Kirkman, John Loman, Geo. Ledford, J. Maynard, J. M. May, Jas. 
Mclntire, D. Moore, Jas. Montgomery, M. J. Millis, M. L. Parker, T. 
J. Parks, A. E. Pegram, Jno. Pickens, E. Ritchsell, D. Riley, D. L. Reid, 
F. Robertson, Harrison Steel, Sanders Summers, Sandford Summers, 
J. L. Smith, J. M. Scott, David Scott, A. L. Sullivan, Ad Stephens, 
Frank Stanley, Isaac Stanley, Alex. Shepard, J. R. Schoolfield, F. B. 
Taylor, N. E. Warwick, Robt. Whitt, W. H. Weatherly. 



GEEENSBOEO— 1808-1904 129 

Seventy-fourth Eegiment, Senior Eeserves — Chas. E. Shober, colonel; 
E. W. Hancock, lieutenant-colonel; J. E. McLean, major. (The roll of 
Company A is not given.) 

Seventy-fourth Eegiment; Company B — Jacob Boon, captain; Geo. 
Kirkman, first lieutenant; P. M. Woodburn, Jno. Soots, second lieuten- 
ants; privates — S. Amick, G. Alexander, W. Aiken, J. W. Aiken, H. 
Bundy, G. M. Bishop, W. Boon, W. Burton, T. C. Carpenter, J. Causey, 
G. Coble, Joshua Clapp, Sam Clark, J. J. Causey, Daniel Clapp, D. C. 
Clapp, J. Couch, J. H. Dick, D. Deans, C. Dix, H. Elliott, S. Franklin, 
O. Friddle, W. Fogleman, J. Fulford, A. Garrett, E. Gullett, M. Ger- 
ringer, J. Glass, J. Gribble, C. Hemphill, L. M. Hackett, J. Hamer, L. 
Holt, G. Holt, E. Ha.A^orth, S. Job, P. P. Kirkman, J. E, Kernodle, 
J. Kersey, Wm. Low, L. Lineberry, J. Lloyd, S. W. McKnight, John 
McColloch, J. D. McColloch, D. McMasters, J. May, J. McAdoo, G. 
Morris, E. McBride, Job Neese, M. Ozment, W. Paisley, J. M. Eoss, 
L. S. Eeece, W. Soots, C. Saferight, W. Shaw, H. Shepherd, E. Smith, 
C. P. Smith, A. Smith, L. W. Shaw, L. Shepperd, W. Sikes, J. Summers, 
M. Stanley, J. Silnion, H. Soots, E. Smathers, E. Trotter, I. Turner, 
S. G. Thompson, Geo. Walker, E. Whittington, P. E. Wagoner, B. F. 
Wiley, G. Yates. (This company was raised mostly in Guilford, but 
no county is given.) 

Seventy-fourth Eegiment; Company C — W. B. Johnson, captain; W. 
E. Pearson, first lieutenant; Jno. Blaylock, Fred Smith, second lieuten- 
ants; privates — A. Allen, S. G. Bevill, Jesse Brown, J. Baynes, L. 
Bason, E. Bowman, M. Brown, J. M. Boling, M. Culbertson, S. Camp- 
bell, W. A. Caldwell, K. N. Caldwell, A. Cain, H. Davis, W. Flynn, 
L. Farrington, M. Farrington, S. J. HuflSnes, G. M. Haith, H. High- 
field, J. F. Holt, W. O. Harper, J. Harris, T. F. Hoskins, J. C. Homey, 
T. Haley, L. Jones, J. M. Jones, P. H. Jean, D. Lloyd, W. H. Lane, 
J. Lloyd, Jno. Ledford, C. Mansfield, J. Meadows, H. P. Moore, W. 
Mitchell, J. Nelson, W. Newton, E. J. Nichols, W. H. Newton, A. E. 
Owens, N. Ozment, E. H. Oats, M. Ozment, B. Smith, E. Starbuck, 
J. Smith, U. Stanley, H. Smith, M. S. Sechrist, L. Pinkleton, B. Par- 
rish, P. Permar, J. W. Quate, J. Eobertson, T. Eayle, W. J. Eobert- 
son, J. Sullivan, G. M. Thuman, J. Thomas, J. Trueblood, J. B. Temples, 
H. Vanbokelin, S. Webb, S. Whitt, H. Watlington, J. Whitt, W. 
Wheeler, H. Walker, L. Wood, Jas. Webb, J. Walton, H. K. Weathers- 
poon. (This company was raised mostly in Guilford, but no county 
is given.) 

Eleventh Battalion Cavalry; Company D — T. Ehodes Duval, captain; 
S. S. Lindsay, first lieutenant; S. C. Thornton, second lieutenant; non- 
commissioned officers — H. Clinard, C. J. Watkins, W. H. Morgan, A. 
L. Gamble, A. S. Charles, W. G. Tate, J. O. A. Chadwick, J. J, Shaffer, 
ix 



130 GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 

R. R. Hutchison; privates — E. H. Amos, S. S. Barker, A. Brinkley, 
S. S. Brinkley, M. Buriss, G. N. Brands, Thos. Brown, W. R. Coley, 
J. B. Coley, J. Carfielrl, J. Campbell, I. Coleman, T. W. Childress, G. 
Ball, N. J. Faucett, R. A. Gambell, J. P. Griffin, J. H. Griffin, J. M. 
Hector. T. Harrell. J. Hopkins, J. Hoyle, N. E. Hunt, W. H, Hauser, 
J. Hauser, J. L. Hauser, J. B. Idoll, R. Jones, A. Long, D. Lingafelt, 
J. R. Martin, J. Newsom, J. W. Poosy, S. F. Pugh, M. Proctor, H. B. 
Peters, J. J. Peterson, J. K. Robeson, D. Robeson, J. M. Raper, S. 
Shoffner, T. Statford, J. L. Starnes, J. Y. Smith, N. J. Stewart. 

Calvin Whittington was on the steamer North Carolina. 

Confederate States Navy at Wilmington — Richard Bishop, Wm. 
Bundy, J. Clapp, Isaiah Dillon, Jesse Dillard, M. M. Gardner, J. S. 
Meadows, John Peeden, Henry Peedon, John Swing, Calvin Stanley. 

Fifth Battalion Artillery— On Company A, L. S. Webb, captain, from 
Anson, the following (names appear — -Jas., W, Albright; detailed 
(ordinance sergeant Twelfth Virginia Battalion Artillery); Jesse R. 
Wharton, detailed quartermaster-sergeant Twelfth Virginia Battalion 
Artillery; J. R. Dwiggins, Edward Hobbs (d), J. W. Warren (d), Jas. 
A. Wyatt, L. C. Winchester, Jno. E. Warren, Elam Moore, A. Hender- 
son. 

Daniel E. Albright was captain of the Home Guards, of Guilford. 

Robert H. Albright was cornetist in the Forty-ninth Regimental 
band. 

Ed. Dick was engineer on the ironclad built at Wilmington in 
1863- '64, which was grounded in New Inlet, May 7, 1864. 

Captain Geo. H. Gregory, was in the Bethel regiment, afterwards 
quartermaster of the Twelfth Virginia Battalion Light Artillery. 



CONFEDERATE LOSSES 

General J. B. Fry has tabulated the following Confederate losses 
from the muster rolls in the Bureau of Confederate Archives at Wash- 
ington City: 

North Carolina — Killed in the war, 14,522; died of wounds, 5,551; 
total loss from all causes, 40,275. South Carolina — Killed in the war, 
9,187; died of wounds, 3,735; total loss from all causes, 17,682. Georgia 
— Killed in the war, 5,553; died of wounds, 1,719; total loss from all 
causes, 10,974. Mississippi — Killed in the war, 5,807; died of wounds, 
2,651; total loss from all causes, 15.265. Virginia — Killed in the war, 
5,328; died of wounds, 2,519; total loss from all causes, 14,794. North 
Carolina's loss was nearly as many as Georgia and Mississippi and 
Virginia combined. ' 



GREENSBORO— 1808-1904 131 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

Page 

PostofRce Building — from photograph by R. G. White 4 

Plot of Greensboro 6 

Elm Street— South from Market 10 

County Court House 14 

Greensboro 's Geographical Location 18 

North Carolina State Normal and Industrial College 22 

Greensboro Female College (old building) 25 

Greensboro Female College (new building) 26 

Lindsay Street Graded School 28 

Asheboro Street Graded School 30 

Agricultural and Mechanical College (Colored) 32 

City Hall and Opera House 40 

Smith Memorial Building 47 

First Presbyterian Church 48 

West Market Street Church 50 

Centenary Methodist Church £>i 

First Baptist Church 54 

Grace Methodist Protestant Church 56 

Greensboro Loan and Trust Company Building 59 

Southern Loan and Trust Company Building 62 

Hotel Guilford 68 

Lobby of Hotel Guilford 63 

Hotel Benbow 64 

Benbow Arcade 65 

Hotel Clegg 67 

Passenger Depot, Southern Railway 71 

Hotel Guilford 75 

Odell Hardware Company Buildings 85 

Mt. Hecla Steam Cotton Mills 93 

West Market Street — from photograph by R. G. White 94 

Elm Street — South from Washington 106 

Battleground Monuments, etc 112 

Schenck Monument 113 

Maryland Monument — Battleground Oak 114 

Colonial Monument IIG 

Oak Ridge Institute 119 

Confederate Battle Flag 121 



132 GREENSBOEO— 1808-1904 

CONTENTS 

Page 
PREFACE 3 

CHAPTER I. 

Why and When Greensboro was Made the County Seat. . 5 

CHAPTER II. 

Greensboro as a Place of Residence and Business 8 

(JHAPTER III. 

A Word About the County of Guilford 13 

Brief Mention of Men, etc 15 

Great Snow Storm of 1857 17 

CHAPTER IV. 

Greensboro 's School History 19 

North Carolina State Normal and Industrial College 21 

Greensboro Female College 24 

Greensboro Graded Schools 27 

Bennett College (Colored); Agricultural and Mechanical 

College (Colored) o± 

Educational Record 33 

CHAPTER V. 

The Men Who Started the Town 34 

The Leading Men in Business in 1856 38 

The Mayors and Aldermen from 1857 to 1904 39 

CHAPTER VI. 

Political — Governors, Congressmen, Judges 42 

Members of Senate and House from 1777 to 1903 44 

Members of Bar — Dead and Living 46 

CHAPTER VIL 

Churches — First Presbyterian Church 4y 

Westminster Presbyterian Church; West Market Street 

M. E. Church, South 49 

Centenary M. E. Church, South; Proximity M. E. Church, 

South; Spring Garden M. E. Church, South 52 

First Baptist Church; Walnut Street Baptist Church; St. 

Barnabas ' Episcopal 53 

St. Cuthbert's Chapel; St. Andrew's Episcopal; St. 

Mary's Memorial Chapel; Grace M. P. Church 55 

St. Agnes' Catholic Church; Friends' Church; Christian 

Church; First Reformed Church 57 



UEEENSBOEO— 1808-1904 133 

CHAPTEE VIII. 

Banks, Hotels, and Press — Greensboro National Bank. ... 58 

Greensboro Loan and Trust Company 59 

City National Bank • 60 

Southern Loan and Trust Company 61 

Greensboro 's Hotels — Hotel Guilford 63 

Hotel Benbow 64 

The Benbow Arcade 65 

Hotel Clegg; Hotel Huffine 66 

The Press of Greensboro 67 

CHAPTEE IX. 

Items of Special Interest — Whig Campaign of 1840; 

Breaking Ground for North Carolina Eailroad; Eail- 

road Completed 70 

Political Mass Meeting at Guilford Battleground 72 

Annual Re-union of Non-Residents 73 

The Annual Meeting of United Confederate Veterans; 

The First Benbow—' ' City of Flowers" 74 

CHAPTEE X. 

Greensboro and the Confederacy— Governor Vance in 

Greensboro; Governor Vance's Proclamation 77 

Greensboro During the War 78 

Confederate School Books 79 

Greensboro at Close of War 80 

Federals Enter Greensboro 81 

Extract From War Diary 82 

CHAPTEE XI. 

Greensboro and Her Merchants — Odell Hardware Co 84 

Nurserymen — J. A. Young; .1. Van Lindley 90 

Physicians and Dentists 92 

CHAPTEE XII. 

Manufacturing Interests 93 

Greensboro Furniture Company; Greensboro Sash and 
Blind Factory; Spoke and Handle Factory; Hunter 
Manufacturing and Commission Company; Sergeant 

Manufacturing Company 96 

Finishing Mills; Carpet Mills; Proximity, Eevolution, 

and White Oak Mills 98 

CHAPTEE XIII. 

Some Prominent Industries — Electric Plant; Security Life 

and Annuity Company 100 

Tobacco Notes 101 

Telephone Exchange 102 



134 GREENSBOEO— 1808-1904 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Organizations, Parks, etc. — Greensboro Industrial and Im- 
migration Association 103 

Audubon Society; Lindley Park; Cone Athletic Park.... 104 

Fisher Park ; Fires 105 

Fire Protection; Public Library 107 

Central Carolina Fair 108 

Hospitals; Keeley Institute 109 

Convention City; Andrew Jackson 110 

CHAPTER XV. 

Guilford Battleground Ill 

Battle of Alamance 115 

APPENDIX. 

Oak Ridge Institute 118 

Military Organizations 119 

Roster of Confederate Troops from Guilford 121 

Confederate Losses During War 130 



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